Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, has called on citizens to abandon democracy, as his government deepens its hold on power and delays a return to civilian rule.
In an interview broadcast on state television, Traoré said democratic systems had failed African countries and should not be seen as a model for Burkina Faso. “People need to forget about the issue of democracy,” he said. “Democracy is not for us.” He added that attempts to impose such systems, particularly by Western powers, often lead to violence and instability.
Traoré, 38, came to power in September 2022 after leading a coup that removed the country’s previous military leadership. At the time, he pledged to oversee a short transition and organise elections by July 2024. However, just weeks before that deadline, the authorities announced a five-year extension of the transition period, effectively postponing elections until at least 2029.
The decision has drawn criticism from international observers and raised fresh concerns about the country’s political direction. Since taking power, the junta has dismantled key democratic institutions and restricted political activity.
The national electoral commission has been dissolved, removing a central body responsible for organising and overseeing elections. Political parties, which had already been suspended following the coup, were formally banned earlier this year. Officials said the move was part of a wider plan to “rebuild the state” and strengthen national unity.
Burkina Faso has faced nearly a decade of violence linked to Islamist armed groups. Attacks across the country have killed thousands of civilians and forced millions from their homes, creating one of the region’s most severe humanitarian crises. Large areas, particularly in the north and east, remain outside government control.
The military government has argued that a strong, centralised system is needed to confront the insurgency. Traoré has repeatedly said that security must take priority over political reforms, presenting his leadership as essential to restoring stability.
In his latest remarks, he criticised democratic systems as incompatible with Burkina Faso’s current situation. He cited Libya as an example of the consequences of foreign-backed political change, pointing to years of instability following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
“Wherever they try to establish democracy, it is always accompanied by bloodshed,” Traoré said, referring to Western countries. His comments reflect a broader narrative among some military leaders in West Africa, who have accused foreign powers of interfering in regional affairs and undermining sovereignty.
Despite these claims, most African countries continue to hold regular elections, although some have faced criticism over transparency and fairness. In recent years, however, parts of West and Central Africa have experienced a series of military takeovers, including in Mali, Niger and Gabon.
Some of these governments have organised elections following coups, though critics argue that such processes often favour those already in power.
In Burkina Faso, Traoré also defended the dissolution of political parties, describing them as divisive and harmful. He said political actors in the country had historically contributed to instability and lacked integrity. According to him, Burkina Faso needs a new system based on sovereignty, patriotism and grassroots mobilisation.
He did not provide details of how such a system would function but suggested that traditional leaders and local structures could play a greater role in governance.
The government’s actions have raised concerns about human rights and political freedoms. Journalists, opposition figures and civil society groups have reported increasing restrictions on their activities. Some critics have accused the authorities of silencing dissent and limiting freedom of expression.
There have also been allegations that individuals critical of the government have been punished by being sent to the front lines of the conflict against Islamist militants. The authorities have not publicly responded to these claims.
A recent report by Human Rights Watch highlighted the scale of violence in the country. It said more than 1,800 civilians have been killed since Traoré took power. According to the organisation, government forces and allied militias were responsible for a majority of the killings, while Islamist armed groups carried out the rest.
The findings have added to concerns about the conduct of security operations and the protection of civilians.
International organisations have called on the authorities to restore political freedoms. The United Nations has urged Burkina Faso to lift the ban on political parties and create conditions for an inclusive political process, warning that continued restrictions could worsen instability.
Burkina Faso has also shifted its international alliances since the coup. The government has reduced its cooperation with France, a former colonial power that had long supported counter-insurgency efforts in the region. In its place, the country has strengthened ties with Russia, seeking military assistance.
The shift mirrors similar moves by neighbouring Mali and Niger, where military governments have also distanced themselves from Western partners.
Despite these changes, the security situation in Burkina Faso remains fragile. Armed groups continue to carry out attacks, and humanitarian needs are growing. Millions of people remain displaced, and access to basic services is limited in many areas.
Traoré, however, continues to present his leadership as part of a broader effort to reshape the country’s political and economic system. His message has resonated with some supporters, particularly among younger Africans who favour greater independence from Western influence.
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