Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has signalled a prolonged stay in power, urging citizens to move away from democratic expectations as his administration prioritises security challenges over elections.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion with journalists broadcast on state television Thursday night, Traoré dismissed calls for a return to civilian rule, insisting that the country’s immediate focus must be on stabilisation. “People need to forget about the issue of democracy,” he said. “We have to tell the truth: democracy isn’t for us.”
He went further, warning against adopting governance models he believes have failed elsewhere. Referring to developments in Libya, Traoré argued that external attempts to enforce democratic systems had disastrous consequences, adding that “democracy kills.”
The remarks reinforce a shift away from earlier commitments made by the junta after it seized power in September 2022. At the time, the military government had pledged to organise elections by 2024, but Traoré later said voting could not take place until the country was secure enough to guarantee broad participation.
Burkina Faso has been grappling with a worsening insurgency for more than a decade, with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State carrying out frequent attacks. The violence has left thousands dead and forced millions from their homes, mirroring instability in neighbouring Mali and Niger, where military governments have also taken control in recent years.
In a move that further consolidates its authority, the junta dissolved all political parties in January, following an earlier suspension of political activities. Before the coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered parties, with 15 holding seats in parliament after the 2020 general election. Similar steps have been taken in Mali and Niger under their respective military administrations.
Meanwhile, concerns over human rights abuses continue to mount. On Thursday, Human Rights Watch reported that Burkina Faso’s armed forces and allied groups have killed more than twice as many civilians as Islamist militants since 2023. The government has yet to respond to the allegations.
By: Andrews Kwesi Yeboah