Burkina Faso Must ‘Forget’ About Democracy, Military Leader Says

In a recent television interview, Burkina Faso’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, asserted that democracy is detrimental and urged citizens to move on from its influence. The leader, who overthrew the government three years ago, claimed that most Africans reject the democratic system, though he did not elaborate on the specifics of Burkina Faso’s alternative path.

Traoré initially promised to return the country to democratic governance by July 2024. However, in a move that surprised many, the ruling junta extended its control for an additional five years just two months before the deadline. This decision followed a broader strategy to ban all political parties as part of efforts to “rebuild the state,” according to authorities.

“People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us,” Traoré stated, framing himself as a revolutionary figure challenging Western dominance.

He cited Libya as a model, drawing parallels between the North African nation and Burkina Faso. Under Muammar Gaddafi’s autocratic rule, Libya maintained stability for four decades, offering subsidized housing, free education, and healthcare to its citizens. Gaddafi was eliminated in a Western-backed uprising, leaving the country without regular elections and fractured between competing groups and armed factions.

Traoré also criticized Western efforts to impose democracy globally, arguing that such initiatives often lead to conflict. “Wherever they [Western powers] try to establish democracy in the world, it’s always accompanied by bloodshed,” he added, emphasizing his belief in a new system rooted in national pride and grassroots mobilization.

Despite his harsh rhetoric, Traoré acknowledged that some African nations have successfully held elections. However, he viewed political parties as divisive forces incompatible with his vision of a revolutionary state. “Politics in Africa – or at least what we’ve experienced in Burkina – is that a real politician embodies every vice: a liar, a sycophant, a smooth-talker,” he remarked.

Traoré highlighted the importance of self-reliance, both economically and militarily. He argued that working six- or eight-hour days would not suffice for Burkina Faso to match the development of wealthier nations. The junta has also sought military support from Russia, distancing itself from Western allies like France, which have been central to the fight against Islamist militants in the region.

Human Rights Watch reported that over 1,800 civilians have been killed in Burkina Faso since Traoré took power in 2023. Two-thirds of these deaths are attributed to the military and affiliated militias, while the remaining are linked to Islamist groups. Critics accuse the government of silencing opposition through arrests and sending dissenters to frontline combat zones.

Despite these actions, Traoré has amassed significant support across Africa, praised for his anti-Western stance and pan-Africanist ideals. His regime, like those in neighboring Mali and Niger, reflects a growing trend of rejecting Western influence in favor of sovereignty-driven governance. Yet, the violence in the region has not subsided, even as alliances shift.

Additional reporting by Omega Rakotomalala. Follow BBC Africa on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica.