Burkina Faso’s Traore Tells Nation to ‘Forget About Democracy,’ Signaling Extended Military Rule
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has declared that the country should “forget about democracy,” in his most explicit indication yet that the ruling junta intends to prolong its hold on power for years to come.
Traore, who seized control in a September 2022 coup that ousted a previous military government which had itself been in power for only nine months, made the remarks as he continues to consolidate authority. Since taking over, he has tightened his grip on the West African nation, suppressing political opposition and formally banning all political parties this past January.
Initially, Traore promised a return to civilian rule, but later postponed elections, citing ongoing insecurity fueled by Islamist insurgencies that have plagued large swaths of the country. Last year, the junta formally extended the transition period, allowing Traore to remain in office until 2029.
His latest statement suggests Burkina Faso is moving even further away from its earlier commitments to restore democratic governance, raising concerns among regional bodies and international partners who had pushed for a faster transition.
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