Burkina Faso must ‘forget’ democracy, junta leader Traoré says

Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Ibrahim Traoré, has urged citizens to abandon democracy, describing it as harmful and unsuited to the country, in remarks aired on state television and reported by the BBC.

“People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us,” Traoré said, arguing that attempts to impose democratic systems often lead to instability and violence.

The 38-year-old captain, who seized power in a 2022 coup, initially promised a return to civilian rule by July 2024. However, his administration extended the transition by five years and, in January, banned all political parties as part of what it described as efforts to “rebuild the state.”

Traoré cited Libya as an example of failed democratic transition, arguing that Western-backed systems have often resulted in conflict. “Wherever they try to establish democracy… it’s always accompanied by bloodshed,” he said.

Defending the ban on political parties, Traoré described them as divisive and incompatible with his “revolutionary project,” adding that politics in Burkina Faso had historically been marked by dishonesty and opportunism.

While he did not outline a clear alternative governance model, Traoré said his government was pursuing a system rooted in sovereignty, patriotism and grassroots mobilisation, with a greater role for traditional leaders.

His comments come amid tightening control over dissent. The junta has faced accusations of suppressing opposition voices, restricting media freedoms and punishing critics, including claims that some have been sent to the front lines of the country’s conflict with Islamist insurgents.

Despite this, Traoré has built a strong following across parts of Africa, driven by his anti-Western rhetoric and pan-African stance.

Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, has shifted away from Western allies such as France, instead deepening security ties with Russia. However, jihadist violence in the Sahel has persisted.

A recent report by Human Rights Watch found that more than 1,800 civilians have been killed in Burkina Faso since Traoré took power in 2023, with the majority of deaths attributed to government forces and allied militias, and the rest to Islamist groups.

Across Africa, while military takeovers have increased in recent years, most countries continue to hold elections, though many have faced criticism over credibility and fairness.