We Love Ibrahim Traoré! Rally in Rockford, IL

On July 15th, members of the Center for Political Innovation from across the United States, who had gathered in Rockford, Illinois for the 7-day program surrounding the Great Unity Convention, held a small demonstration to support Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso.

The message of the rally was not simply to support the African anti-imperialist leader and celebrate his many social programs—investing in his people, overseeing an agricultural boom, and providing services to working families. The protest also focused on opposition to globalism/imperialism, emphasizing why Captain Traoré is a model for the kind of leadership needed in the United States.

Speakers at the rally came from as far away as Australia, as well as from Pennsylvania, Minneapolis, Seattle, Kentucky, Portland, Maine, and Los Angeles. A banner was unfurled along a major roadway near home depot and other stores and protesters took turns getting on the bullhorn to speak against imperialism and in support of growth and development outside the domination of wall street. Copies of the new CPI book “Africa’s Flame: The Rise of Ibrahim Traoré” were given to those who passed by the demonstration. Two cars stopped and raised their fists in support, honking horns and shouting “Thank you!” to the crowd of protesters.

The protest has already garnered significant attention in international media, with YouTube channels across the African continent highlighting the demonstration.