Part Two: Coup d'état
Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power by a coup d'état in September 2022, deposing his predecessor, who had also taken power eight months earlier through a coup d'état.
Many believed that Captain Ibrahim Traoré would be like all other previous presidents of Burkina Faso and other nations—that he would end up corrupt and live a lavish lifestyle. They did not have real confidence that he would be different.
Even France and the ECOWAS nations of Africa were confident that he would succumb to temptation or be willing to be bought over and controlled by France. To this end, they went so far as to pressure and even threaten to invade Burkina Faso when Captain Ibrahim Traoré took things under his own control and began charting a new future for his country and people.
The effect and purposeful intention were felt right from the start. The people were galvanized. Suddenly, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope and great expectancy among the population. One stunning decree after another started to flow forth, combined with swift and immediate implementation of policies and projects.
The first was his announcement that all parliamentarians and cabinet ministers would take a 30% pay cut. He himself refused the extremely high salary of the president, which was 68,000 francs (US$70,040). Instead, he elected to be paid his captain’s salary, which was only 1,000 francs (US$1,030).
At the same time, he increased the salary of all civil servants and armed forces by 50%, which was greatly appreciated and gave the people much-needed relief.
He also refused a luxury car and home, choosing to ride around in a Toyota Hilux or a military vehicle. Likewise, his ministers chose to follow his example.
The savings were pumped back into various development projects for the country. The people took note of this and rooted for him.
This was the start of an avalanche of stunning initiatives. There are so many that we have to group many related achievements into common points.
1) Security:
Frustrated with French incompetence and interference in security measures, he ordered French troops out of Burkina Faso. It was not a loss. Rather, it helped highlight the capabilities of Burkina Faso’s military to manage and tackle the insurgency problems.
Within a week of taking power, his military took the fight to the insurgents and won. They took out more than 50 insurgents making a move on motorcycles. Two weeks later, they drove a large number of insurgents out of a major town, killing over a hundred.
Such victories had never been achieved by the French in the years they had controlled military operations.
As a result of Burkina Faso’s concerted efforts, the insurgents were driven back to more inaccessible areas, where they thought they were safer. This proved to be wishful thinking, as new tactics, planning, and military inputs began to turn the tide in Burkina Faso’s favour.
How? Captain Ibrahim Traoré took the initiative. He brought in new military equipment, including armoured vehicles, drones, high-powered motorcycles, heavy machine guns, tractors, bulldozers, and mobile hospitals to provide on-the-spot treatments, X-rays, surgeries, etc. This provided better reach and protection for his troops, improved their morale, and strengthened their determination to fight for their country. They were able to take the insurgents by surprise and defeat them in many areas.
The result was astonishing. Hundreds of thousands of displaced citizens were able to return to their homes and live, farm, and trade in safety. In one district alone, over 156,000 people returned to their abandoned homes.
2) Corruption and Assassination Attempts:
The legacy of corruption and lavish living among previous leaders and businessmen had a very negative hold on top officials, both those removed from their positions and some still employed by the government.
These people became willing tools of external forces and companies, trying to undermine the country, the government, and the economy.
Over 20 attempts were made to overthrow the government and assassinate Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The latest was about two weeks ago, when 113 plotters were arrested and their substantial bank accounts were frozen.
None of the attempts succeeded, as his people refused to be bought over. Those approached to betray Captain Traoré reported these attempts to intelligence services.
This strong and unwavering support for Captain Traoré and his team was the result of their incredible leadership, genuine concern for their people, remarkable initiatives (including the Presidential Initiatives), and implementation of projects with tangible benefits that gave the people real hope.
This wholehearted unity with Captain Traoré and his team was visible for two reasons:
- The government was initiating one major project every two weeks (last month, he initiated two major projects on the same day), which greatly benefited the people. It was not mere talk or empty promises. What was promised was set in motion immediately, with concrete plans, support, and training. People saw and felt it firsthand. None of the projects have failed so far.
- This confidence in Captain Traoré was best illustrated when news broke about a group of 20 conspirators who tried to storm the presidential residence. The people poured out in large numbers to protect him.
Again, when Captain Traoré wanted to give up his presidency and hold an election (under heavy pressure and threats from ECOWAS—a French-controlled coalition of African nations acting as puppets of France), the people again poured out in huge numbers to request and demand that he remain in office. This was a most spectacular request—one never heard before in any country. Yet, here were the people of Burkina Faso demanding that he stay in power.
This speaks volumes about Captain Traoré and how much safer the people felt about their safety and well-being.
© Vijaya Ratnam
No comments:
Post a Comment