Jacob Zuma
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Former South African President Jacob Zuma met with Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, at the Koulouba Palace on Monday, 3 November 2025, to discuss the ongoing struggle for Africa’s true liberation. Accompanied by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, the former comrade of Nelson Mandela stated that he came to discuss the liberation of the continent. The high-level talks underscore a shared vision for pan-African unity and economic independence, at a time when both leaders face complex political landscapes in their respective countries.
The meeting, held in the Burkinabè capital, highlights Zuma’s continued engagement in African affairs post-presidency, drawing on his history as a key figure in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. Traoré, who came to power in a 2022 coup and has since focused on sovereignty and anti-imperialism, welcomed Zuma as a symbol of resistance against colonial legacies.
Details of the Historic Encounter
According to a statement from Burkina Faso’s Presidency, the discussions centred on strategies to achieve genuine liberation for the continent, free from external influences and economic exploitation. Zuma, aged 83, arrived in Burkina Faso earlier in the week and delivered a public lecture on 1 November 2025 at the University of Ouaga 1, focusing on the history of African liberation movements and the role of leaders like Nelson Mandela in inspiring current generations.
During the palace audience, Zuma praised Traoré’s leadership in reclaiming Burkina Faso’s resources and resisting neocolonial pressures. Traoré, in turn, acknowledged Zuma’s contributions to South Africa’s freedom and expressed solidarity with African nations still battling for economic sovereignty. The talks reportedly touched on issues like resource nationalisation, youth empowerment, and regional security, with both leaders emphasising the need for Africa to unite against foreign interference.
Photos and videos from the event show the two leaders in deep conversation, flanked by officials, symbolising a bridge between South Africa’s democratic era and Burkina Faso’s revolutionary path under Traoré.
Zuma’s Role in Pan-African Discussions
Zuma’s visit to Burkina Faso is part of his broader post-presidential activities, where he has positioned himself as an elder statesman advocating for African unity. Since leaving office in 2018, he has engaged with leaders across the continent, including recent trips to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. His ties to liberation icons like Mandela lend weight to his calls for “true liberation,” which he defines as economic self-reliance and freedom from Western dominance.
In his lecture on Friday, Zuma spoke about the unfinished business of decolonisation, urging young Africans to reject systems that perpetuate inequality. “The struggle did not end with political freedom; we must now fight for our resources and our future,” he said, according to attendees. This message resonates in Burkina Faso, where Traoré has nationalised mines and cut ties with former colonial power France.
The meeting also addressed shared challenges, such as youth unemployment and climate impacts on agriculture – issues affecting both nations. Zuma reportedly shared insights from South Africa’s land reform efforts, while Traoré outlined his vision for agrarian revolution in the Sahel region.
Addressing Rumours of a Refusal to Meet
Prior to the confirmed meeting, social media buzzed with unverified claims that Traoré had refused to meet Zuma due to alleged xenophobic sentiments linked to Zuma’s past or his role in events like the death of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Sources close to both leaders dismissed these as baseless, with the palace statement and photos proving the encounter took place.
One report suggested Traoré snubbed Zuma over Gaddafi links, but official channels confirmed the warm reception. This misinformation highlights the challenges of digital narratives in African politics, often amplified without facts.
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