Stuck in My Room, Stuck in My Thoughts

Title: Stuck in My Room, Stuck in My Thoughts

I never thought I’d be here—just me, my phone, and my bedroom. It wasn’t always like this.

When I transferred to a new high school, I thought making friends would be impossible. But somehow, I did. Not the kind of friends you tell your deepest secrets to, but the kind who make your days lighter, who turn ordinary moments into memories worth keeping.

Now, I sit here, scrolling through pictures and videos we took—laughing during lessons, messing around at break, capturing the little moments that felt like they would last forever. There were good days, and there were painful ones too, but even those had people in them. Now, it’s just me. And the silence.

It’s strange how life moves forward whether you’re ready or not. I should be in college right now. That was the plan. But instead, I’m here, on a gap year that wasn’t really my choice. It feels like my life is on pause while the world keeps spinning. If only I had saved enough, if only I could have worked at 15—not forever, just during the holidays, just enough to have something put away for this moment. Maybe then, I wouldn’t feel like I’m waiting for life to start. But it is what it is.

I try to remind myself that delays aren’t the same as dead ends. That just because things aren’t happening now doesn’t mean they never will. But in the quiet of my room, with my phone lighting up old memories, it’s hard not to wonder: how long will I be stuck here, waiting for the next chapter to begin?

Burkina Faso’s Bold Move: A Lesson in Power and Strategy

Burkina Faso’s Bold Move: A Lesson in Power and Strategy

For too long, African nations have been trapped in a cycle where foreign powers, particularly European governments, manipulate them for their resources. The usual strategy? Mental warfare—keeping African leaders distracted with internal conflicts, political instability, and economic dependency while siphoning wealth in broad daylight. But something remarkable is happening in Burkina Faso.

President Ibrahim Traoré has flipped the script. Instead of falling into the usual traps, he turned the game around, using the same tactics against those who once controlled his country. By paying off foreign debts, reclaiming national resources, and stripping away colonial-era symbols like French as an official language and barristers’ wigs, he has shattered the illusion that African nations must remain subordinate. He didn't ask for permission; he took action.

    [ President Ibrahim Traore]

His leadership isn't just about governance—it’s about strategy. He understood that true power isn’t just in military strength or economic policies, but in controlling the narrative. The same governments that once dictated the fate of African nations now find themselves caught off guard by a leader who refuses to play by their rules. He lowered government salaries to ensure financial stability, proving that leadership is about sacrifice, not self-enrichment.

Burkina Faso’s success is a wake-up call. It proves that Africa is more than capable of self-sufficiency if its leaders choose action over excuses. The real enemy isn’t just external—it’s the mindset that keeps Africa in a cycle of dependency. The moment African nations stop playing defense and start playing offense, the entire global power dynamic shifts.

Traoré’s approach should serve as a blueprint. Instead of blaming external forces, he recognized the game being played and beat them at it. This is more than just nationalism—it’s a revolution in thought and strategy. And if more African nations follow, the continent won’t just rise; it will redefine global power itself.

The question is: Who’s next?

Sources & References

1. Debt Repayment and Economic Reforms:

Burkina Faso's External Debt Status: As of January 2025, Burkina Faso owed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) $328.4 million after repaying $1.8 million the previous year. The country has an outstanding external debt of at least $10 billion. 

2. Nationalization of Gold Mining Industry:

Economic Reforms Under President Traoré: President Ibrahim Traoré announced the clearance of the country's $4.7 billion external debt while simultaneously taking control of its lucrative gold mining industry. 

3. Judicial Reforms and Cultural Identity:

Adoption of Traditional Attire in Judiciary: Burkina Faso's magistrates have decided to abandon traditional satin black robes, symbolizing a rejection of their French colonial heritage, and will adopt outfits made from locally grown and woven cotton fabric known as faso dan fani. 

4. Language Policy Changes:

Constitutional Reforms Regarding Language: In December 2023, Burkina Faso revised its constitution, relegating French to the status of a working language and elevating national languages to official status. 

5. Leadership and Governance:

Profile of President Ibrahim Traoré: Captain Ibrahim Traoré assumed power in Burkina Faso following a coup in September 2022, suspending the constitution and leading the country through significant reforms. 

These sources provide a comprehensive overview of Burkina Faso's recent political and economic developments under President Ibrahim Traoré.