Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traoré said the country’s people should abandon the idea of democracy, declaring it “isn’t for us” in remarks that signal his intention to extend military rule.
Traoré, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, made the comments during an interview with the state broadcaster. His government has increasingly tightened control, banning political parties earlier this year after previously suspending political activity.
“We must tell the truth,” Traoré said. “People need to forget about democracy.”
The 37-year-old leader dismissed democratic governance as harmful, arguing that it leads to violence against civilians and destruction of infrastructure. He also indicated that elections are not a priority, despite earlier promises of a transition back to civilian rule.
Following the coup, the military government had pledged to hold elections by 2024. However, the timeline was later extended, allowing Traoré to remain in power until at least 2029. He has since said elections will not be held until the country is secure enough for nationwide voting.
Burkina Faso has been grappling with a long-running armed insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions over the past decade. The violence continues to strain the country’s security forces and complicate any return to civilian governance.
Traoré has gained support in parts of Africa for his criticism of Western influence, often invoking the legacy of former leader Thomas Sankara. However, his administration has faced mounting criticism over its human rights record and inability to curb the violence.
A recent report by Human Rights Watch alleged that more than 1,800 civilians have been killed since 2023 by government forces, allied militias and armed groups. The report accused all sides of committing serious abuses, including unlawful killings and forced displacement. The government has denied the allegations and banned the organization, along with several international media outlets that reported on its findings.
The military leadership in Burkina Faso mirrors developments in neighboring Mali and Niger, where coups have also led to the suspension of democratic institutions and the dissolution of political parties.
As the security crisis persists, Traoré’s remarks underscore a broader shift away from democratic governance in parts of West Africa, raising concerns about long-term stability and the future of civilian rule in the region.
Traoré’s rejection of democracy reflects a growing trend among military-led governments in the region, where security concerns are increasingly used to justify prolonged rule without elections.
While the government argues that stability must come before democratic processes, critics say the suspension of political freedoms risks deepening instability and alienating large segments of the population.
At the same time, the continued violence and allegations of human rights abuses highlight the challenges facing the military government as it attempts to assert control over the country.
The absence of a clear path back to civilian rule is likely to remain a key point of tension both domestically and internationally.
Reuters
