In a striking interview with state broadcaster Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB), Ibrahim Traoré, the military president of Burkina Faso, emphatically stated that citizens should abandon the notion of democracy, asserting that it holds no relevance for the nation. Traoré’s comments come in the wake of his ascent to power following a coup in September 2022, which ousted a preceding junta. His administration has since curtailed political opposition, officially banning political parties in January 2024 and extending his rule until 2029.
A Rejection of Democratic Ideals
During the interview, Traoré urged the people to dismiss any thoughts of future elections, declaring, “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.” The 37-year-old military leader contended that democracy has been a facade that has only resulted in suffering, stating, “Democracy, we kill children. Democracy, we drop bombs, we kill women, we destroy hospitals, we kill civilian population. Is that democracy?”
His remarks reflect a growing disillusionment with the democratic process, particularly in a nation that has seen its fair share of political upheaval. Originally, a transition to democracy had been scheduled for 2024, but with the junta’s recent extension of Traoré’s leadership, such aspirations have been dashed.
The Legacy of Violence
Despite Traoré’s populist rhetoric, his government has struggled to address a burgeoning jihadist insurgency that has plagued Burkina Faso since 2014. The violence has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of over 2.1 million individuals, roughly 9% of the country’s population. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that more than 1,800 civilians have died due to the conflict, which involves military forces and allied militias, as well as the al-Qaida-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wa al‑Muslimin (JNIM).
A recent HRW report accused all parties involved in the conflict of committing grave human rights violations, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. Allegations against Traoré’s government include the ethnic cleansing of Fulani civilians allegedly linked to JNIM, as well as targeted killings and forced displacements.
In April 2024, HRW claimed that Burkina Faso’s military executed 223 civilians in a single day earlier that year. The government has categorically denied these allegations, leading to the banning of HRW and several international media outlets that reported on the situation, including The Guardian.
A Shift in Public Sentiment
Traoré has garnered considerable support across the African continent, often appealing to nationalist sentiments with his anti-French and anti-Western rhetoric. His references to the legacy of Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader who presided over Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987, resonate with many who seek a break from Western influence and a return to self-determination.
However, as the nation grapples with escalating violence and a deteriorating humanitarian situation, questions arise about the sustainability of Traoré’s governance. While he may enjoy a degree of popularity for his forthrightness and rejection of Western ideals, the consequences of his policies are becoming increasingly dire.
Why it Matters
The dismissal of democratic ideals by a leader in Burkina Faso underscores a troubling trend across the region, where military rule is often justified by promises of stability amid chaos. This shift raises significant concerns not only for the future of governance in Burkina Faso but also for the broader implications on human rights and civil liberties in West Africa. As violence continues to escalate and millions remain displaced, the question of whether true democracy can ever be re-established in such a context becomes increasingly complex.
