Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré drew widespread attention online after delivering a strong speech on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Addressing representatives from the Yagha region in Ouagadougou, Traoré focused on religion and education.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to religious diversity, stressing that no single faith would be imposed on citizens.
“I am a Muslim, but everyone in Burkina Faso has the right to practice their own religion. There will never be Sharia law here,” he declared.
Traoré also highlighted a major gap between the country’s current education system and its development needs, noting that many young people are pursuing abstract or religious studies instead of practical skills.
He announced a complete shift toward STEM education to support national progress, saying: “We need people with technological skills to build our nation, not Sharia scholars.”