Roch Marc Christian Kaboré (born April 25, 1957) is a Burkinabé politician who served as the President of Burkina Faso from 2015 to 2022. He is a prominent figure in Burkina Faso's political landscape, with a career that spans several decades in various high-level government positions. Kaboré is known for his efforts to promote democracy and his role in navigating Burkina Faso through periods of significant political and social change.
Birth and Family Background: Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was born on April 25, 1957, in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, which was then known as Upper Volta. He comes from a prominent family; his father, Charles Bila Kaboré, was a close associate of Burkina Faso's first president, Maurice Yaméogo, and served as a minister in the government.
Education: Kaboré pursued higher education in economics, earning a degree from the University of Dijon in France. His educational background in economics would later influence his approach to governance and economic policy.
Entry into Politics: Kaboré entered politics in the 1980s, during a time of significant political change in Burkina Faso. He quickly rose through the ranks of the ruling party and held various key positions in the government of President Blaise Compaoré, who came to power in a coup in 1987.
Ministerial Roles: Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Kaboré held several important ministerial roles, including Minister of Transport and Communications, and later, Minister of Finance. His performance in these roles earned him a reputation as a capable administrator and a key figure in Compaoré’s government.
Prime Minister: From 1994 to 1996, Kaboré served as Prime Minister of Burkina Faso. During his tenure, he focused on economic reforms and development, as well as efforts to stabilize the political environment.
President of the National Assembly: After serving as Prime Minister, Kaboré was appointed President of the National Assembly, a position he held from 2002 to 2012. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping legislative policy and maintaining stability in Burkina Faso’s political institutions.
Break with Compaoré: Despite his long association with Blaise Compaoré, Kaboré eventually became disillusioned with Compaoré’s attempts to extend his presidency by amending the constitution to remove presidential term limits. In 2014, Kaboré, along with several other prominent political figures, broke away from Compaoré’s Congress for Democracy and Progress (CDP) party in protest.
Founding of the MPP: In January 2014, Kaboré co-founded the People's Movement for Progress (Mouvement du Peuple pour le Progrès, MPP), along with Salif Diallo and Simon Compaoré. The MPP quickly became the leading opposition party, attracting widespread support from those opposed to Compaoré’s bid to remain in power.
2014 Uprising and Compaoré’s Ouster: The MPP played a central role in the mass protests that erupted in October 2014, in response to Compaoré’s attempt to amend the constitution. These protests, known as the 2014 Burkinabé uprising, led to Compaoré’s resignation and exile, marking the end of his 27-year rule.
Election as President: Following Compaoré’s ouster, Burkina Faso held democratic elections in November 2015. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré ran as the MPP’s candidate and won the presidency with 53.5% of the vote, becoming the first non-interim leader to take office since Compaoré's departure. His election was seen as a victory for democracy in Burkina Faso.
First Term (2015–2020): Kaboré’s first term was marked by efforts to stabilize the country and promote economic development. He focused on addressing issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, his administration faced significant challenges, particularly the rise of Islamist insurgencies in the Sahel region, which brought increased violence and instability to parts of Burkina Faso.
Security Challenges: The growing threat of terrorism and extremist violence became a central issue during Kaboré’s presidency. The country faced frequent attacks from jihadist groups, leading to a humanitarian crisis with thousands of people displaced. Despite efforts to combat the insurgency, including strengthening the military and seeking international support, the security situation remained precarious.
Re-election in 2020: In November 2020, Kaboré was re-elected for a second term, securing 57.7% of the vote in the first round. His campaign focused on promises to restore security, improve governance, and continue economic reforms. However, his re-election came amid ongoing challenges, including continued violence and criticism over his administration’s handling of the security crisis.
Coup d'État in 2022: On January 24, 2022, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was deposed in a military coup led by soldiers dissatisfied with his government’s handling of the security situation. The coup leaders cited the failure to curb the rising jihadist insurgency as the main reason for their actions. Kaboré was detained by the military, and Burkina Faso was plunged into a period of political uncertainty.
International Reaction: The coup was widely condemned by the international community, including the African Union, the United Nations, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Calls were made for the restoration of constitutional order and the release of Kaboré.
Impact on Burkina Faso: Roch Marc Christian Kaboré's presidency is marked by significant efforts to restore democracy following the long rule of Blaise Compaoré and by attempts to address the numerous challenges facing Burkina Faso, particularly in terms of security and development. While his tenure saw some progress, particularly in infrastructure and social services, the persistent security crisis overshadowed much of his time in office.
Democratic Leadership: Kaboré's leadership is notable for his role in transitioning Burkina Faso to a more democratic system of governance. His involvement in the peaceful protests that led to Compaoré's fall and his subsequent election as president reflect his commitment to democratic principles, despite the difficulties he faced during his presidency.
Challenges and Criticisms: While Kaboré is respected for his efforts to stabilize Burkina Faso, his administration was often criticized for its handling of the security situation and the slow pace of reforms. The 2022 coup highlighted the deep frustrations within the military and parts of the population over these issues.
Roch Marc Christian Kaboré played a significant role in shaping Burkina Faso's political landscape during a critical period in the country's history. As president, he worked to strengthen democracy and address the numerous challenges facing Burkina Faso, though his presidency was ultimately overshadowed by the ongoing security crisis and his eventual ouster in a military coup. Despite these challenges, Kaboré's impact on Burkina Faso’s transition to democracy and his efforts to promote stability and development remain key aspects of his legacy.
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