Burkina Faso: The double standards of the media outlet “Citoyen Neutre” regarding Captain Ibrahim Traoré
In Burkina Faso, for some time now, a perverse phenomenon has been drawing the attention of seasoned analysts: the emergence of platforms and forums which, under the cover of “façade patriotism” and proclaimed support for Captain Ibrahim Traoré, distill a deadly venom. Such is the case with certain recent statements made under the label of a so-called “Citoyen Neutre.” At first glance, the tone appears constructive, almost affectionate toward the Head of State, praising the country resilience of the country.
But behind this benevolent façade lie less avowable intentions. The goal is not to raise awareness, but to fracture national cohesion.
For anyone familiar with the mechanisms of psychological manipulation, the article of “Citoyen Neutre” is a textbook case.
The method used is as old as time but devastatingly effective: the “Good King, Bad Advisors” technique.
The approach consists of pretending to spare the leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the better to demonize, target, and systematically attack his inner circle, his strategic collaborators such as Ministers Ismaël Sombié and Mahamadou Sana, Commander Yabré, and even his own family.
The hidden objective behind this maneuver is to fabricate suspicion, distrust, and artificial rivalries at the highest levels of the state.
By waving the red flag of “family governance” or “the President’s isolation,” this media outlet seeks to inject doubt into the minds of Burkinabe people. This is a blunt attempt to break trust.
By making people believe that the Captain is hostage to a clan, it subtly prepares public opinion to accept the idea that the government is weakening, thereby inciting internal revolt.
The contradictions are glaring: how can one claim to want the Revolution to continue while systematically cutting off the armed limbs and pillars that support it?
Let us not be mistaken: this is a high-intensity psychological warfare operation. Faced with a military and popular regime that cannot be toppled by a frontal attack, destabilization cells choose to weaken it from within. This dynamic rests on a total asymmetry between apparent support in form and real destruction in substance.
By brandishing the specter of the past and fallaciously comparing the current governance to the excesses of the Compaoré regime, this manipulative media outlet seeks to revive the traumas of Burkinabe history.
The weapon here is not the rifle; it is rumor. Isolating the leader from his base, breaking the solidarity among the founding members of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration (MPSR) that is the real agenda, because an atomized leadership inevitably leads to faltering, uncoordinated defense forces.
In this critical context, unity and a strong chain of command are not political options; they are vital necessities of national security.
A ship in the midst of a storm cannot tolerate suspicion being cast on the helmsman or his lieutenants based on anonymous whispers.
The enemy knows full well that if the united front of the people and their army gives way, the entire country collapses.
The Burkinabe Revolution needs clarity, cohesion, and trust, and it is everyone’s duty not to let the war of words destroy what soldiers defend at the cost of their blood.
Papa IBRAHIMA
