Significant criticism has emerged against Jamaican YouTuber Sir P (Poli Tricks Watch), known for his controversial takes, following his negative commentary on Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré and the anti-Western Alliance of Sahel States (AES – Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger).

Commenters delivered sharp rebukes, accusing Sir P of profound ignorance on international relations and African geopolitics:

              Questioned Expertise: Critics bluntly stated Sir P is “out of his league,” urging him to “stick to analyzing Jamaica” where his insights are often valued. His analysis of the Sahel situation was deemed “absolutely ridiculous” and based on superficial research targeting “simpletons.”

AI Content & Source Neglect: While acknowledging some of Sir P’s source material might be AI-generated, commenters emphasized the abundance of credible African sources reporting on Traoré’s policies and the AES context – sources Sir P seemingly ignored. This neglect was interpreted as a preference for narratives aligned with “traditional colonizers,” revealing a problematic mindset.

Neocolonialism & Partner Choice: Commenters robustly challenged Sir P’s dismissal of Russian and Chinese engagement. They argued that while these nations pursue their own interests, the material benefits and partnership terms offered are demonstrably preferable to the historical exploitation by France and the US, which they linked directly to Africa’s enduring “poverty and instability.” The core question posed: What viable alternatives exist for nations actively trying to “escape western colonial forces”?

                             The Misnomer: Calling the 15% payment “exploitation

The claim that Russia’s 15% payment to Burkina Faso constitutes ‘exploitation’ ignores the reality that this rate reflects standard industry practice and Burkina Faso’s new legal framework.”

It’s contradictory and inappropriate to call well-informed people ‘dunces,’ especially when your own statements demonstrate complete ignorance, proving you are the one uninformed. Simple research would reveal that gold mining companies typically charge between 10% and 20% for their services, as they provide all equipment and financing. This standard is confirmed by recent events: WAF, an Australian gold mining company partnered with US and UK firms, increased its rate from 10% to 15%. This brings it in line with the rate paid to the Russian gold mining company. Furthermore, this change directly reflects Burkina Faso’s new Mining Code adopted in July 2024, which increased the state’s mandatory free share in mining projects from 10% to 15%, aiming to strengthen the state’s influence in the sector.”

Critical Omissions: A major failing highlighted was Sir P’s video ignoring fundamental issues like the origins and funding of terrorist movements in the Sahel (a key factor in Traoré’s rise and the AES formation) and the critical need for alternatives to Western dominance.

Added Context & Information:

• Captain Ibrahim Traoré: Rose to power in a 2022 coup, positioning himself as an anti-imperialist figure expelling French forces and pivoting towards Russia.
• Alliance of Sahel States (AES): A mutual defense pact formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in 2023, united by military juntas and a shared objective of removing French influence and combating jihadism, often with Russian support.
• The Core Dispute: The criticism centers on Sir P applying a superficial, Western-centric lens to complex African revolutionary movements actively resisting neocolonial structures and seeking new partnerships. Commenters demand analysis grounded in African perspectives and realities, not dismissive tropes.

Example of other comments

I am in the USA and I have been following African History. Russia and Cuba has been providing. Military Assistance for DECADES. This is Modern time most people Know what is AI including me .Traore concern is that France 🇫🇷 has been providing Millitary Assistance for Decades yet the Rebels are still controlling the SAHEL

The first time I’ve seen the masses strongly disagree with Sir P about something

Can’t believe your words sir p, the last man I would expect to talk this way about the movement, you sound like an agent!

@LeslieMccaulay
You sounds like a puppet of the colonial masters.

@kevonjames9393 Jah jah Sir P yuh mean fi tell mi seh yuh out here killing dreams Ibrahim is our black hero

@truthispower795

My coworker is from Burkina Faso and captain traore is a real president..I’ve asked her many question about Burkina and she answered honestly..she is very happy and proud of the support she sees on YouTube about Ibrahim..that said carry on

@christopherbernard-lg1jt I totally disagree with you on this one sir P. Richard curry cannot be compared to this man, no way. Let’s not forget what the US did to Gaddafi for Is vision for Africa

@kutestqueen Africa will unite…He needs a strong Ally to go up again the colonial rule… I support Ibrahim Traore 100%

@dogfood5198 Sir p sound like a American and France Agent as if there no life without America. Sir p you should stay out of this one you’re so wrong

@islandsun8235 Yes. He should stick to Kartel and Black Man.
@Jay-z7v
 @Wayne996K24 these information are also over the videos he mentioned..but sir p misses the main problems for example who are the rebel groups there affiliates trainer and backers he seems to just deliberately overlook these points which is strange…the groups are Al Queda affiliates and we all know who is responsible for Al Queda so when he say traore is only beefing with his political rivals its disingenuous…eg syria was overthrown by the same rebels just under a different name but same backers if you don’t believe just look how quickly syria sanctions were lifted despite being lead by a known terrorist(wanted by the 🇺🇸) got there sanctions lifted

Wayne996K2 seems you nor sir p understand how geopolitics works when the sahel state breaks of from their current system they will be completely cut off from the world trading by the west also be faced with economic crushing sanctions….no matter the natural resources they have it won’t be of any use to them unless some is will to defy the west and trade with them or they will face economic hardship and stagnation ..for example look at iran and Venezuela two oil rich nations who broke from the west when there was no other rival to western economic power..also look at cuba they look like a relic from the pass