On September 28, 2025, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, addressed the press in Ouagadougou in a forceful and symbolic speech centered on ending the country’s long-standing war against insurgent groups and pushing forward governance reform. Standing before local and international media, Traoré reiterated that the fate of the nation depends on linking peace with institutional transformation. “We cannot dream of victory on the battlefield while ignoring the sickness within our state structures,” he warned. “The time has come to heal both.”
He began by acknowledging the heavy burden of conflict that continues to destabilize large parts of Burkina Faso, displacing hundreds of thousands and threatening national cohesion. Traoré admitted that military campaigns, while essential, have limits in resolving the crisis. Yet he also expressed determination to bring the conflict to a rapid close. “This war has gone on too long,” he declared. “We are determined to end it quickly and decisively so that Burkinabè can live without fear.” His words reflected both urgency and resolve, signaling that prolonged instability is no longer acceptable.
Since seizing power in the September 30, 2022 coup, Traoré highlighted a number of achievements under his administration. In January 2023, the government launched a national recruitment drive that integrated over 50,000 civilian volunteers into the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) force, boosting local security efforts. By mid-2023, schools in several previously closed provinces reopened, allowing thousands of children to return to classrooms. In March 2024, his administration invested heavily in agriculture, leading to a record cereal harvest that reduced food shortages in rural areas. More recently, in early 2025, his government inaugurated new water supply projects in the Sahel region and reopened health centers in conflict-hit zones. “These achievements show that the state has not abandoned its people,” Traoré affirmed.
Turning to governance reform, Traoré outlined a series of institutional changes designed to restore trust between the state and the people. He emphasized the urgent need to decentralize power, ensure transparency in state spending, and root out corruption. “Burkina Faso will not rise if corruption continues to eat the future of our children,” he stated. He added that rebuilding institutions was not simply a political exercise but a moral obligation to honor the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians alike.
The transitional leader also responded to questions regarding Burkina Faso’s democratic transition, which has drawn criticism from regional and international partners. While avoiding fixed electoral dates, Traoré argued that rushing to elections without solid reforms would amount to “building a house on sand.” He explained: “We are not here to imitate democracy. We are here to build institutions that truly serve the people. Only then will elections have meaning.” His stance reflected both defiance toward external pressure and a strong appeal to national sovereignty.
International reactions to Traoré’s address were mixed. The African Union welcomed his emphasis on reforms and inclusion, while ECOWAS reiterated its call for a clear electoral calendar. France and the European Union urged Burkina Faso to balance sovereignty with regional cooperation, whereas Mali and Niger expressed solidarity, praising his rejection of “external diktats.” Analysts described the speech as a bold attempt to position Burkina Faso as a regional model of self-determined governance amid ongoing security crises.
