Three years of transition: The turnaround of Burkina Faso under Captain Traoré
September 30, 2022, marked a historic turning point for Burkina Faso. Facing an unprecedented security crisis, the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (MPSR2), led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, emerged as a decisive response to preserve territorial integrity and restore national dignity.
When Captain Traoré took power, over 40% of the country’s territory lay outside state control.
Thousands of communities were besieged or abandoned, and the population lived in daily insecurity amid a demoralized and underequipped military.
A complete overhaul of security strategy was immediately launched. The new approach prioritized direct action, territorial reclamation, and popular mobilization.
Related: Burkina Faso/Captain Ibrahim Traoré: The Builder who inspires the people with a taste for hard work and pride in belonging to Faso
Key measures included strengthening the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), equipping the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), creating Zones of Military Interest, accelerating military recruitment, and building strategic partnerships, including with Russia.
Three years later, significant progress has been achieved: over 71% of the territory has been retaken, dozens of localities liberated, nearly 2 million internally displaced persons returned home, and multiple terrorist bases dismantled.
Beyond security, Captain Traoré’s vision extends to national sovereignty, resilience, and endogenous development.
His leadership rejects harmful foreign interference and promotes Pan-Africanism, local resource transformation, and social justice.
Through concrete actions administrative redeployment, restored public services, and investments in reclaimed areas the transition government continues to inspire a people determined to rebuild a free, strong, and prosperous Burkina Faso.
Maurice K.ZONGO
