PressBridge

In an interview with Pressbridge, political analyst and civil society actor Joseph Marc Bazie reflects on his career, the country’s current political momentum, and the challenges facing the population. Between a renewed push for sovereignty, structural reforms, and a complex security environment, he offers a nuanced yet resolutely optimistic view of Burkina Faso’s trajectory.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background as a political analyst?
Thank you for giving me your microphone for this interview, which has now become a regular exercise. By way of introduction, I am Joseph Marc Bazie, a certified secondary school teacher, currently serving as a school principal, a political analyst, and an active member of several civil society organizations. Since my early school years, I developed a strong interest in the history of my country and Africa as a whole. After obtaining my high school diploma, I pursued studies in history and archaeology at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, where I earned my Master’s degree.

I later turned to teaching and was admitted in 2014 to the CAPES (Certificate of Aptitude for Secondary Education Teaching) in History and Geography. After two years of training, I was assigned to the Municipal High School of Léo in the Sissili province. It is worth noting that during my university years, I was actively involved in student clubs, organized youth debate forums, and hosted several programs on radio and television.

In Léo, together with colleagues, we founded the Mouvement Conscience Nouvelle (MCN) in 2017, a civil society organization coordinated nationally by Dr. Hyacinthe Ouédraogo, who is currently a political advisor to the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso. Through this movement, we traveled across regions and universities, organizing public lectures and producing awareness materials aimed at transforming mindsets. For us, true African sovereignty begins with collective awareness among Africans.

My passion for politics led me in 2020 to pursue a research Master’s degree in Political Science at Thomas Sankara University, where I am still studying, with the goal of earning a PhD to deepen my expertise. Today, I participate in various media programs, contributing in my own modest way to the rebuilding of our societies.

Based on your experience, what strikes you most about the daily life of Burkinabè people today?
Today, Burkinabè people proudly affirm that they have regained their dignity—dignity that was lost since the tragic date of October 15, 1987. With the Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP), despite the security context, people are proud to support the current authorities in pursuit of genuine national sovereignty. Every generation has its own struggle. Those of the 1980s played their part alongside Captain Thomas Sankara, but obscurantist forces and imperialism ultimately crushed that revolution by taking his life.

Today’s youth, who support Captain Ibrahim Traoré, did not physically experience Sankara, but through his legacy, he remains immortal. Once again, dignity is being asserted. The same forces still exist, but the context has changed. Awareness and vigilance are stronger than ever. Thanks to the spread of technology, we can now quickly dismantle misleading narratives from media outlets that were once considered credible.

Burkina Faso has always been a land of resistance. During the colonial era, France deployed a special military force known as the “Voltaic column,” led by Lieutenant Voulet and his deputy Chanoine, to subdue local populations. Yet, despite this domination, the people continuously resisted. One recalls the major Bani-Volta uprising between 1915 and 1916 in the Mouhoun region, led by figures such as Téné Coulibaly and Yisu Koté, which inflicted heavy losses on French forces. The revolutions of Captain Sankara and Captain Traoré are part of this long-standing tradition of asserting freedom and dignity.

How would you describe current living conditions in a context marked by security and economic challenges?
The security situation undoubtedly has a negative impact on people’s lives. However, with a clear vision from current leaders, measures are being implemented to minimize the effects of terrorism. Several policies across different sectors aim to ease the suffering of populations affected by this violence.

In agriculture, the results of the government’s offensive are already visible. Staple foods are now more affordable. For instance, between 2024 and 2025, a 100 kg bag of maize cost between 30,000 and 35,000 CFA francs, whereas it now ranges between 14,000 and 15,000 CFA francs. The government aims to further reduce this price to between 6,000 and 7,000 CFA francs. Food is a fundamental need—once it is secured, other aspects of life follow.

Reforms are also underway in health and education, sectors that were long neglected under structural adjustment programs. In the security sector, a comprehensive reform of the army has been launched to ensure better territorial coverage.

While global conditions contribute to rising prices, people are managing relatively well—contrary to narratives often portrayed by certain foreign media outlets.

Does access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid meet the needs of the population?
Authorities have introduced measures to improve access to essential services. In healthcare, the Presidential Health Initiative (IPS) aims to modernize facilities and improve care quality through the construction of medical centers, expansion of hospital services, and introduction of advanced diagnostic tools.

In education, the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education (IPEQ) seeks to overhaul the system by improving infrastructure, strengthening teacher training, reforming governance, and promoting technical and vocational education.

Regarding humanitarian aid, the government has taken steps to regulate the sector while relying on national bodies such as CONASUR to distribute assistance and support displaced populations. Community solidarity also remains a key factor in addressing crises.

Do you believe that citizens’ concerns are adequately addressed by the authorities?
Based on the responses provided, it is clear that authorities are making efforts to address public concerns. The revolution led by Captain Traoré is intended to be people-centered, focusing on social well-being. This includes redistributing wealth more equitably, which has understandably met resistance from certain elites. As Thomas Sankara once said, “we must choose between champagne for a few and clean water for all”—a principle that appears to guide current policies.

What priority solutions could tangibly improve the daily lives of Burkinabè people?
Improving living conditions will take time. Development is a gradual process—it cannot happen overnight. Burkina Faso has faced significant historical delays, but current efforts in governance and sovereignty could change this trajectory.

The member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) are working toward joint projects to strengthen their autonomy and development. However, both internal and external resistance remain, making vigilance essential. The reforms and initiatives underway across sectors aim to lay the foundation for a better future. As the analyst puts it, one cannot plant a tree today and expect to enjoy its fruits immediately—it requires patience.