AI Tribute to Pope Francis Sparks Debate Over African Support for Military Rule
A digitally generated tribute to Pope Francis, falsely attributed to Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, has reignited concerns over the growing glorification of military leaders across Africa, particularly among disillusioned youth.
Following the recent death of Pope Francis, a viral video emerged featuring an artificial voice reading a tribute supposedly from Traoré. The message thanked the late pontiff for appointing Cardinal Paul Zoungrana—an obvious historical inaccuracy, as Zoungrana was made a cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1965, years before Traoré was born and before Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis) was even ordained a priest.
This AI-generated misinformation highlights a broader issue: the mythologizing of military rulers in Africa. In countries where elections often fail to reflect the popular will, some young Africans are increasingly viewing coup plotters as heroes. Traoré, who seized power in Burkina Faso via military coup, has been lionized on social media, with exaggerated portrayals depicting him as a pan-African savior.
Critics warn that this trend masks authoritarian tendencies. In Burkina Faso, dissent is stifled and opposition voices are labeled as enemies of the state. “There is no inclusion when it comes to dissenting voices,” the article notes, comparing Traoré’s governance to the inclusive ethos championed by Pope Francis.
Recently, U.S. General Michael Langley publicly criticized Traoré for allegedly misusing the country’s gold reserves. The backlash was swift, with unfounded accusations that Langley sought to assassinate the Burkinabè leader—an example of how criticism is weaponized to consolidate power.
As authoritarianism tightens its grip under the guise of populism, the commentary urges Africans to critically assess the illusion of “messianic” military leaders. “Is this the type of Africa we want?” it asks. One where peaceful disagreement is treated as criminality?
The comparison between Pope Francis and Captain Traoré, the article argues, is both inappropriate and dangerous—revealing not only the power of disinformation but the fragility of democracy across the continent.
