How Ibrahim Traoré Changed Burkina Faso’s Security Alliances

What happened to Burkina Faso after Ibrahim Traoré’s government ended the French military presence? This documentary follows one of the most dramatic strategic shifts in modern Burkina Faso. Beginning with the withdrawal of French special forces in 2023, we examine how Ibrahim Traoré’s government reshaped the country’s security partnerships, joined Mali and Niger in creating the Alliance of Sahel States, moved away from ECOWAS, expanded domestic mobilization, and searched for new ways to fight a devastating insurgency. But changing alliances is only part of the story. Burkina Faso continues to face a severe security crisis, displaced communities, blockaded cities, and difficult questions about whether greater strategic independence can produce greater safety on the ground. This episode looks beyond the slogans to examine both the political transformation and the realities facing ordinary Burkinabè. TRAORÉ: Burkina & Beyond tells verified, carefully researched stories about Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso, the Sahel, African politics, sovereignty, history, and the changing relationship between Africa and the wider world. Do you think the Alliance of Sahel States can build a sustainable future for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger outside ECOWAS? #IbrahimTraore #BurkinaFaso #Sahel