Ibrahim Traore, the military leader of Burkina Faso, has become a growing figure of admiration in Nigeria, thanks to a surge of viral content on social media. This content, much of which is misleading or outright false, portrays Traore as a fearless reformer who has defied Western powers and restored dignity to his country. These narratives have been widely circulated across Nigeria, framing Traore as a leader to be admired, especially in light of the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
Traore seized power in September 2022 through a coup, amidst a wave of anti-French sentiment in the Sahel region. Since then, he has gained the backing of other former French colonies, such as Mali and Niger, which have shifted their allegiances from France to Russia. The foreign ministers of these countries recently met in Moscow to establish the Alliance of Sahel States, further solidifying this regional pivot toward Russia.
This narrative of Traore as a transformative leader has been amplified through social media, with many Nigerian public figures, including actress and politician Hilda Dokubo, voicing their support. However, experts are warning that these viral claims, which often present a distorted or fabricated view of Burkina Faso’s situation, carry significant risks for Nigeria’s security and political stability.
The disinformation campaign surrounding Traore’s leadership resonates strongly in Nigeria, where the population is struggling under the weight of a severe cost-of-living crisis. The tough economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have exacerbated public discontent, making promises of economic improvement under Traore’s leadership particularly appealing. Analysts suggest that Traore’s defiance and openness to Russian support, including collaboration with Wagner-linked security groups, have found a receptive audience among Nigerians seeking alternatives to Western-backed policies.
However, many of the claims circulating online have been debunked. For instance, a widely shared video purportedly showing a massive low-cost housing project under Traore’s rule was exposed as footage of an unrelated construction site in Algeria. Similar false narratives, such as claims about Traore reducing cement prices, have also been debunked. Not forgetting the claim of turning down an offer from Saudi Arabia to build 200 mosques, a claim that was debunked by News Central two months ago
This disinformation appears to be part of a coordinated effort, with several units playing a key role. According to Nigerian journalist Philip Obaji, these units distribute content through intermediaries, helping to bolster the image of military regimes while undermining Western influence in the region.
In Burkina Faso itself, dissent against Traore’s regime is harshly suppressed. Journalists and critics are regularly detained or disappeared under the pretext of fighting terrorism, as the country battles increasing violence from insurgent groups. Despite being the hardest-hit country by terrorism in Africa, with tens of thousands of lives lost since 2015, the image of Traore as a reformist leader continues to gain traction in Nigeria and across the region.
The rise in Traore’s popularity, driven by disinformation, has raised concerns about its potential impact on Nigeria’s political stability. Experts warn that these viral campaigns normalise military rule and could further open the door to foreign ideological influence in the region.
