In a startling declaration that has sent ripples through the region, Burkina Faso’s military president, Ibrahim Traoré, asserted that the concept of democracy is incompatible with the realities facing his nation. Speaking to the state broadcaster, Traoré insisted that citizens should abandon notions of democratic governance, claiming that violence and instability have rendered such ideals obsolete. This announcement raises significant concerns about the future of governance and human rights in Burkina Faso.
A Shift from Democratic Promises
Ibrahim Traoré, who seized control in a coup in September 2022, has taken a hard stance against democratic processes. Initially, there had been plans for a transition to civilian rule by 2024, following a previous coup that had occurred merely nine months prior to Traoré’s takeover. However, these aspirations have since been dashed, as the junta has extended Traoré’s rule until 2029.
During an interview with Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB), Traoré stated, “We’re not even talking about elections, first of all … People need to forget about the question of democracy … We must tell the truth, democracy isn’t for us.” He characterised democracy as a “false” construct, asserting that it leads to widespread suffering. “Democracy, we kill children. Democracy, we drop bombs, we kill women, we destroy hospitals, we kill civilian population. Is that democracy?” he questioned, painting a dire picture of the impact of conflict on civilians.
The Legacy of Violence
Under Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso continues to grapple with a severe jihadist insurgency that has wreaked havoc since 2014, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of over two million individuals—approximately 9% of the population. Human Rights Watch has reported that since 2023, more than 1,800 civilians have lost their lives as a result of violence perpetrated by the military, allied militias, and jihadist groups such as al-Qaida-linked Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wa al‑Muslimin (JNIM).
In a report released on Thursday, HRW accused all parties involved of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes. The military regime, along with its allies, has been implicated in acts of ethnic cleansing against the Fulani community, whom they accuse of harbouring ties to jihadist factions. Such systemic violence raises urgent questions about accountability and the protection of human rights in the country.
The Broader Context
Traoré has garnered support among segments of the African population through his anti-French and anti-Western sentiments, often evoking the legacy of Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader from 1983 until his assassination in 1987. Sankara’s Marxist ideals and his vision for a self-sufficient Africa resonate with those disillusioned by the current geopolitical climate.
However, Traoré’s populist rhetoric is juxtaposed against the troubling human rights record under his rule. His administration’s crackdown on dissent, including the outright ban on political parties earlier this year, indicates a troubling trajectory for governance in Burkina Faso.
Why it Matters
The assertion by Ibrahim Traoré that democracy is “not for us” signifies a troubling shift in Burkina Faso’s political landscape and poses a significant threat to the already precarious state of human rights in the region. As the military regime deepens its grip on power, the prospects for peace and stability diminish. The international community must take note of these developments, as they not only affect Burkina Faso but also have wider implications for democratic governance and human rights across West Africa. The situation underscores the urgent need for a renewed dialogue on stability, security, and the restoration of democratic norms in a region beset by conflict.
