The politics of ‘noise’: the silencing of the Traoré regime

Noise is political. The state’s apparatus distinguishes between sound and noise, often employing security measures to suppress what it deems disruptive. This is especially true for black populations, whose expressions are frequently monitored and controlled. We find this apparent in various forms of African aesthetics, encompassing dance, drumming, and spirituality, which have historically faced prohibition and stringent regulation.

However, this can also apply to politics. Evidently, in the situation of Burkina Faso, under the leadership of Ibrahim Traoré, his voice opposes the hegemonic Western influence on the country in attempts to unite both the country and the African continent.

Ibrahim Traoré rose to power in 2022 following a military coup, and at just 34, the charismatic leader became the youngest head of state. Traoré envisions a free Africa that is less dependent on Western countries, championing pan-Africanism and anti-imperialism.

Critiquing the Francophone influence that controls a large Western/Central Africa bloc, he expelled French troops from the nation, forging strategic ties with Sahel countries and Russia. He has ensured that the country remains independent and not reliant on the IMF or the World Bank. We saw how this translated during the 1970s in Jamaica with the eventual 1977 agreement, deepening inequality, intensifying political violence, and ultimately leading to the neoliberal shift of the 1980s.

From the past looking to the present, he embodies the revolutionary spirit of famed former leader Thomas Sankara during the 1980s, who like Traoré, promoted education, healthcare, gender equality, and economic sovereignty. With echoes of Sankara’s vision, Traoré’s actions resonate deeply within Burkina Faso, particularly among the youth who see in him a leader committed to genuine change. It is clear that Traoré cannot be bought or become a puppet leader like those who have come before him, whose roles have merely served to allow the exploitation and dependency of these countries on the West.

UNDERDEVELOPED OR EXPLOITED COUNTRIES

Throughout history, we have seen the silencing of black leaders who have opposed, questioned, and fought against the system. Many black leaders who made ‘noise’ in attempts to mobilise the subalterns have been exiled, imprisoned, or, in most cases, killed. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Steve Biko, Patrice Lumumba, Sankara, and Kwame Nkrumah spring to mind. Thus, the notion of ‘noise’ extends beyond the parameters of music to the pew, the masjid, and the political arena as ways of uniting the masses.

Their radical politics and worldview threatened the established order but continue to live on in the hearts and minds of many. In the age of independence (1960s and 1970s), the post-colonial leaders mentioned in the list from the African continent attempted to break away from their colonisers (and the United States, of course) toward self-determination and liberation. Their dreams, unfortunately, never materialised, under leaders whose sentiments lie with the West gaining power, leading to decades of political and economic instability. This has allowed corruption, civil war, poverty, and the ‘silencing’ of opposing leaders to flourish.

The sentiment conveyed is that Africa is an impoverished continent with ‘poor countries’ – a statement that could not be further from the truth. In reality, there is no such thing as a ‘poor’ country; rather, they are underdeveloped or exploited countries. Where pan-African and former Prime Minister of Ghana Kwame Nkrumah labelled the enslavement, pillaging, and colonial rule of Africa as a necessary appendage for European capitalism, this continued through the neo-colonialism of the 20th century to the present (despite the ‘proclaimed’ independence), with the natural resources enriching Western nations and later multinational corporations.

SOLIDARITY DEMONSTRATIONS

In this context, Traoré’s rise to power and subsequent actions can be interpreted as a continuation of this struggle against neo-colonial forces and the effort to reclaim Burkina Faso’s sovereignty. This raises the question of whether history will repeat itself, or will Traoré prevail?

Where questions surround the viability of pan-Africanism in the 21st century, the struggle for self-determination and unity remains a driving force behind movements like the one led by Traoré. Solidarity demonstrations have taken place in Jamaica, the UK, Ghana, and Liberia, advocating for Traoré’s leadership and condemning the West’s attempts to not only destabilise his regime but also vilify him.

His partnership with Russia echoes the Cold War when the Soviet Union supported African nations seeking help and solidarity. During that epoch, the West feared that African nations would side with their communist rivals. As history shows, it repeats itself.

With sanctions imposed on Russia following their invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Burkina Faso’s alliance with Russia has caused further unease for the West. Not only does this disrupt Western hegemony in the region, but it also evokes fears reminiscent of the ‘domino effect’ that catalysed the Vietnam War. Although contextually different, the problem remains the same: the West fears alliances that oppose its order.

Our concerns for Ibrahim Traoré’s Burkina Faso are justified, as history shows that leaders striving to disrupt dominant powers by uniting the people often encounter severe repercussions. We hope that Traoré will succeed amidst the turmoil, allowing Africa to collaborate and achieve the potential envisioned by Africans and diasporans.

Montel Gordon is a James McCune Smith PhD scholar at the University of Glasgow researching race and education. He is also a freelance journalist.