IBRAHIM TRAORÉ-2024 MAN OF THE YEAR

2024 has produced both highs and lows for pan-Africanism. Imperialist-instigated wars continued to rage in many parts of the continent, including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions. Western puppets in the corridors of power across the continent continue to implement IMF policies that have inflicted immense suffering on the African masses and further entrenched the looting of our resources by outsiders. We also witnessed an escalation in attempts by the United States to curtail revolutionary media outlets such as ours.

However, it was not all doom and gloom. The Sahel trio of nations - Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, aka the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) - have, throughout the year, given the continent collective pride and hope that the pan-African dream is within reach. They have taken more steps to assert their sovereignty in both the political and economic realms. The three countries' leaders have shown that, despite the West's sustained assault on the continent, our spirit of resistance as Africans remains resolute. Without a doubt, they tower above other African leaders right now.

And within the triad, Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré shines brightest. While the achievements of the Sahel have been a collective effort, Traoré's speeches and charisma have inspired Africans on the continent and beyond.

For example, in this clip, recorded during a meeting of AES leaders in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, on 6 July, Traoré denounces Western imperialism and the African leaders acting as its lackeys on our continent. He says these leaders, whom he refers to as 'house slaves,' are always ready to betray their people to make their imperialist masters happy.

Seeing a young African leader standing up to the West in word and action is refreshing and inspiring. So there was little contest really. Congratulations, Captain - you’re African Stream’s Man of the Year 2024!

Video credit: Radiodiffusion Telévision du Burkina (@rtburkina on IG, YT and X, @rtbgroup on TikTok)