Since the military seized power in Burkina Faso four years ago, it has striven for economic self-sufficiency — producing and processing locally, and financing development through the country’s own resources.
Backed by an aggressive but carefully controlled communications strategy, particularly on social media, the junta says it is transforming the west African country and improving its economic self-reliance.
Junta leader Ibrahim Traore regularly launches projects in person, lays foundation stones and opens factories.
The government has pushed textiles, arms manufacturing, agriculture and raw materials, and has plans for a motorway to link the capital Ouagadougou to Bobo Dioulasso, the second largest city.
“Given its position and its quest for sovereignty, the country has no choice but to rely on its own…
