Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Traore Gets AI Praise From Beyoncé, Pope Firstpost Africa
Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Traore Gets AI Praise From Beyoncé, Pope | Firstpost Africa | N18G
AI-generated videos featuring global figures like Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, R. Kelly, and even the Pope are flooding West African social media, all singing praises of Burkina Faso's military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore. Though fake, these deepfakes have gone viral—amplifying Traore's popularity and promoting a growing personality cult. Experts say the campaign blends digital propaganda with pan-African messaging, aiming to boost his image at home and across neighbouring states. While some of the videos are monetised by independent creators, others appear linked to pro-junta cyber units. With Traore's anti-West stance rising, digital adoration is fast becoming a key tool of power.
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