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Ibrahim TraoreChairman of the Patriotic Movement for Defense and Reconstruction from September 30, 2022
Date of Birth: 01.01.1988
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Content:
- Education and Military Service
- Rise to Power
- Discontent with the MPSR
- The September 2022 Coup
- Leadership of the MPSR
Education and Military Service
Ibrahim Traoré studied at the University of Ouagadougou, where he was active in the Muslim Student Association. In 2010, he joined the Burkina Faso Armed Forces. In 2019, he was assigned to the newly formed Kobra counter-terrorism unit as a special forces operator.
Rise to Power
In January 2022, Traoré participated in a military coup that installed the Patriotic Movement for Preservation and Restoration (MPSR) junta in Burkina Faso. He initially served as the commander of the Kobra detachment in the city of Kaya, fighting against jihadist insurgents.
Discontent with the MPSR
Despite his role in the coup, Traoré became increasingly critical of the MPSR government led by Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. He accused the government of failing to contain the Islamist insurgency and of withholding salaries from Kobra troops.
The September 2022 Coup
On September 30, 2022, the military, aided by Russian Wagner mercenaries, overthrew Damiba in a second coup. Traoré emerged as the new leader of the country, assuming the title of interim president.
Leadership of the MPSR
As Chairman of the MPSR, Traoré has continued the fight against jihadism and has launched a series of reforms to improve the security situation in Burkina Faso. He has also sought to restore unity and stability after the turbulent events of the previous year.
