With the help of "AI-generated images, deepfake anthems and algorithmic fervour", Burkina Faso's president has been transformed into a "digital messiah", gripping the attention of Africans across the continent, according to The Africa Report.
Ibrahim Traoré, military leader of the West African country, is splashed across social media in a variety of postures – "stoic in military fatigues", "draped in pan-African flags" or as "a diving warrior glowing with celestial light". Beyoncé, Selena Gomez and other American celebrities have seemingly paid homage to him through song or dramatic emotional displays. But these images, which have racked up millions of views, are fraudulent – part of a torrent of misinformation that reaches far beyond Burkina Faso's borders.
Traoré "has become one of the most talked-about leaders" in Africa, "building an image as a pan-Africanist firebrand" in the style of Thomas Sankara, "the Marxist revolutionary sometimes referred to as Africa's Che Guevara", said New Lines Magazine.
Burkina Faso's ties with Russia have helped in the creation and distribution of pro-Traoré propaganda. Since March last year Russia has conducted at least 19 "distinct disinformation campaigns" across Burkina Faso, as well as neighbouring Niger and Mali, said the Foreign Policy Research Institute. The effort is "contributing to cycles of violence" in the region.
But while some Traoré supporters believe the videos are real, others don't seem to care as long as it feeds "a real hunger for strong, authentic African leadership", said New Lines. Deepfakes and mislabelled videos "are going viral not because people are being fooled, but because they tap into frustration, pride and hope". | 
