In an explosive revelation that could reshape the political landscape of Burkina Faso, investigative journalist Michel Ouedraogo has unearthed a shocking ten-month gap in President Ibrahim Traoré’s military record, a period shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Officially labeled as medical leave, this critical timeframe from March 2019 to January 2020 is devoid of any documentation or credible explanation, raising alarming questions about the true nature of Traoré’s activities during this time.
Ouedraogo’s relentless investigation led him to a remote village in Mali, where Traoré, under the alias “Serge,” had been living a double life as a teacher. Eyewitness accounts reveal that he not only educated local children but also clandestinely trained a team of 14 military personnel, who would later play pivotal roles in his 2022 coup. The chilling connection to a retired Russian general, Victor Popov, adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting that Traoré’s rise to power was orchestrated with foreign influence.
As Ouedraogo meticulously pieced together evidence, he discovered that Traoré had been strategically planning and training for a coup while maintaining the facade of medical leave. The implications of this revelation are profound, with international media outlets quickly picking up the story, prompting scrutiny from both local and global entities. The Burkina Faso government’s attempts to downplay the situation only fueled public speculation and unrest.
In a desperate move to silence dissent, authorities shut down Ouedraogo’s newspaper and detained him, accusing him of jeopardizing national security. However, the truth has emerged, igniting a firestorm of debate about the legitimacy of Traoré’s leadership and his connections to Russian military interests.
As the fallout continues, the world watches closely. Burkina Faso stands at a crossroads, and the shadows of Traoré’s hidden past may yet dictate its future. The truth about those dark ten months is out, but the full story is far from over.