Birds of the Same Feathers Flock Together: The Putin-Traoré Parallels and the Battle for Truth in Africa

It is always said, "Birds of the same feathers flock together." Today, that proverb finds an eerie echo in the leadership style and communication tactics of Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power through a coup in September 2022.

When we examine his methods closely, it becomes increasingly clear that he has found a mentor — whether official or ideological — in none other than Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.

Both men rule with an iron grip, both restrict press freedom, and both rely heavily on information control and propaganda to maintain their power. And both use the excuse of patriotism to silence dissent.

Propaganda as a Weapon of Control

Our sources strongly suggest that a well-oiled Russian propaganda machine has been exported to Burkina Faso, flooding social media and local networks with carefully crafted stories of Traoré's "exploits." These stories aim not to inform but to manipulate — presenting the captain as a revolutionary savior while burying the ugly truths of repression and fear.

This is strategic. In an age where millions across Africa rely on social media as their primary source of news, controlling the narrative means controlling public perception. And the Traoré regime has mastered this, not through transparency or service delivery, but through the spread of disinformation — just like the Kremlin.

Ibrahim Traoré and Vladimir Putin during Captain Ibrahim Traoré's visit to Russia

Silencing the Truth

Since taking power, Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s government has shown open hostility to journalists and civil society voices. Independent media outlets have been harassed, raided, or shut down. Reporters have been imprisoned under vague or trumped-up charges. Notable examples include:

• Olivier Touré – Arrested in October 2023 for allegedly “spreading false information” while covering anti-government protests.
• Aristide Béré – Publishing director of L'Événement, detained for articles critical of the military regime.
• Martial Nébié – Journalist at Oméga Médias, arrested in November 2023 after reporting on a military mutiny.

This pattern is not accidental. It is systematic. Traoré has gone as far as pushing for legislation that criminalizes criticism of the government. In today's Burkina Faso, you are either a cheerleader for the regime or an enemy of the state. Neutrality is no longer an option.

The Putin Playbook

This draconian crackdown mirrors the well-documented behavior of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. There, too, journalists and political dissidents are arrested, exiled, or mysteriously “disappear.” The state exerts massive control over what the population sees and hears, and the truth is often buried under layers of carefully constructed lies.

Like Putin, Traoré does not merely tolerate propaganda — he depends on it. And like Putin, he governs through fear, not consensus.

What’s at Stake?

Africa is at a crossroads. Leaders like Captain Traoré, emboldened by foreign support and unchecked power, are reshaping the political landscape with dangerous consequences. When lies become truth, and truth becomes a crime, we lose not just freedom of expression — we lose our ability to choose our future.

Burkina Faso deserves better. Africa deserves better.

Because one thing is certain: when birds of the same feathers flock together, they often build nests of oppression.

 

Author's Note: The truth must always rise above propaganda. It’s our duty — as citizens, as journalists, as thinkers — to keep asking questions, even when it’s dangerous to do so.