The leader of Burkina Faso has declared that the people must ‘forget’ democracy, calling the system fundamentally incompatible with the nation’s needs during a nationally televised interview.

Rejection of democratic values

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power three years ago, argued that democracy has failed African nations and specifically the Burkinabé people during his evening broadcast. “Democracy kills, people must move beyond it,” he stated, asserting that the system is not suited to Burkina Faso’s context.

The military leader, who presents himself as a revolutionary fighting Western imperialism, suggested that most Africans reject democratic governance in favor of alternative systems. He provided Libya as an example, pointing to the chaos that followed the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime as evidence of democracy’s failures.

Policy shifts and political crackdowns

Traoré had previously pledged to restore democratic rule by July 2024, but two months before this deadline, the junta extended its transitional authority by five years. This announcement came alongside the January ban on all political parties, described as part of a broader plan to ‘rebuild the state’.

The military leader justified this decision by condemning political parties as divisive and corrupt, claiming they represent ‘all vices’ in Burkina Faso’s political culture. “A true politician in Africa is a liar and a flatterer,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to dismantling the existing political framework entirely.

Vision for a new Burkina Faso

Traoré outlined his vision for a new governance model centered on sovereignty, patriotism, and revolutionary mobilization. This system would prioritize traditional leaders and grassroots structures while emphasizing economic and military self-reliance. He dismissed conventional work schedules, arguing that Burkina Faso cannot develop with six or eight-hour workdays when competing with wealthier nations.

The military leader’s panafricanist rhetoric has garnered significant support across the continent, particularly among those critical of Western influence. Since taking power, Burkina Faso has distanced itself from Western partners in its fight against Islamist militants, instead aligning with Russia for military assistance. However, violence in the region continues unabated.

Human rights concerns amid rising violence

Human rights organizations have raised alarms about the deteriorating security situation. Since Traoré’s 2023 takeover, over 1,800 civilians have been killed, with two-thirds of these deaths attributed to state forces and allied militias. Islamist militants account for the remaining fatalities.

The junta has faced criticism for suppressing dissent, targeting opposition figures, media outlets, and civil society organizations. Reports indicate that critics have been sent to frontline positions in the fight against militants as a form of punishment.

Despite these controversies, Traoré maintains strong popular support, particularly among those who view his leadership as a bold challenge to Western dominance in Africa.