Thousands Rally for Traoré as Burkina Faso Marks Four Years of Military Rule
Thousands of people gathered in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, on Wednesday evening to mark four years since President Ibrahim Traoré came to power following the September 2022 coup.
The government-organised gathering, held at Revolution Square under the banner of the “Night of the RPP”, featured songs, artistic performances and speeches in support of Traoré and his administration.
The event was broadcast live on national television, while participants carried portraits of the president and voiced support for his government’s political programme.
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo described the turnout as a “historic mobilization” of Burkinabè citizens whom he presented as committed supporters of the country’s revolutionary project.
At 38, Traoré has promoted an agenda centred on greater political sovereignty, economic independence and stronger national control over Burkina Faso’s natural resources.
His government has also sought to reduce the country’s dependence on France, its former colonial power, while encouraging the local processing of raw materials.
The administration has pointed to the recent inauguration of a gold refinery as part of its efforts to process more of Burkina Faso’s mineral resources domestically and retain greater value within the country.
The anniversary celebrations also reflect Traoré’s effort to establish the Popular Progressive Revolution, or RPP, as a lasting political narrative for Burkina Faso.
Similar gatherings were held in several parts of the country, with supporters using the occasion to express backing for the military-led government and its stated programme of national transformation.
