03.03.2026 13:02
On the fourth day of the war, following the attack attempts by the US and Israel on Iran, violent explosions continue, while statements regarding the process keep coming from different countries. Most recently, Burkina Faso's leader Captain Ibrahim Traore declared his open support for Iran, stating, "Burkina Faso is ready to provide military assistance if Iran requests it. The days of Americans escaping punishment are over."
The ongoing tension between the USA and Iran, along with the diplomatic efforts in Geneva, culminated in the morning of February 28 when Israel, together with the USA, struck Iran. Mutual attacks along the USA-Israel and Iran lines continue on their fourth day. Israel announced its decision to expand its ground occupation in Lebanon. The death toll in Iran has risen to 787.
"WE WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IF IRAN REQUESTS"
While the whole world closely follows the developments in the region, a striking statement came from Burkina Faso leader Captain Ibrahim Traore. Stating that they stand by Iran in the war, Traore said, "Burkina Faso is ready to provide military assistance if Iran requests it. The days of Americans escaping punishment are over."
HE HAS BECOME A SYMBOLIC NAME ON THE CONTINENT
In the eyes of his supporters, Traore is seen as a reformist and fearless leader who rejects the regime that sells his country's resources to imperialist powers and prioritizes the people's interests above all. His struggle against French neo-colonialism, radical decisions, and profound reforms have made him a figure striving to rewrite not only the fate of his own country but that of the entire continent. Traore, who is thought to have inherited the legacy of the legendary leader Thomas Sankara, who brought Burkina Faso its brightest period in the 1980s, has quickly transformed into a symbol recognized throughout Africa.
THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHANGE IN BURKINA FASO
37-year-old Captain Ibrahim Traoré has been running an intense campaign for the last 3 years to erase Western influence in his country and accelerate development. He closed French military bases, limited Western companies' mining privileges, and halted the export of unprocessed gold to Europe. While distancing from the West, he developed relations with countries like Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey. He changed street names from the colonial era to local names and banned second-hand clothing from the USA. Burkina Faso, along with Niger and Mali, separated from ECOWAS and established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Domestically, he reduced the salaries of deputies and ministers by 30% to transform public administration, while increasing civil servant salaries by 50%. Debts to the IMF and World Bank were paid off. Hundreds of tractors and equipment were distributed to increase agricultural productivity. According to ISS African Futures, the country's economy has an average growth potential of 8% between 2025 and 2043. This means an increase of $1,120 in per capita income and the lifting of 2.4 million people out of poverty.