In a striking declaration, Ibrahim Traoré, the military president of Burkina Faso, has urged the populace to abandon any notions of democracy, asserting that it is unsuitable for the nation. Traoré, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, made these controversial remarks during an interview with the state broadcaster, Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina, marking a significant departure from any previous commitments to democratic governance.
A Shift in Governance
Traoré’s ascent to power was initially met with some optimism for a potential transition to democratic governance. Following his coup, which ousted the previous military junta that had ruled for a mere nine months, a timeline was set for a return to civilian rule by 2024. However, that vision has since been upended. The junta has now extended Traoré’s rule until 2029, effectively consolidating its grip on power.
During the interview, he 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.” His comments reflect a stark rejection of democratic principles, which he described as “false,” framing them instead as a source of violence and suffering.
The Reality of Violence
Traoré’s criticisms of democracy are intertwined with the ongoing security crisis in Burkina Faso, where a jihadist insurgency has wreaked havoc since 2014. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands and has displaced approximately 2.1 million people, or nearly 9% of the country’s population. In his assertions, Traoré highlighted the impact of this violence, questioning the legitimacy of democratic processes that he claims lead to civilian casualties: “Democracy, we kill children. Democracy, we drop bombs, we kill women, we destroy hospitals, we kill civilian population. Is that democracy?”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that more than 1,800 civilians have died as a result of violence involving the military, allied militias, and extremist groups such as al-Qaida-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) since 2023. The organisation has accused all parties involved in the conflict of committing serious human rights violations, including targeted killings and ethnic cleansing against the Fulani community, which has been wrongly associated with support for the jihadists.
Growing Support and Controversy
Despite the grim realities on the ground, Traoré has garnered support from segments of the population, particularly through his anti-Western rhetoric and his invocation of Thomas Sankara, a revered figure in Burkina Faso’s history. Sankara, who led the country from 1983 until his assassination in 1987, is celebrated for his revolutionary policies and anti-imperialist stance. Traoré’s alignment with Sankara’s legacy resonates with those disillusioned by foreign influence and the ongoing violence.
However, his administration’s human rights record has come under severe scrutiny. In April 2024, HRW accused the military of executing 223 civilians in a single day, a claim that the government has categorically denied. Moreover, the junta has taken steps to silence dissent, banning HRW and various international media outlets that have reported on these allegations.
Why it Matters
Traoré’s rejection of democracy marks a pivotal moment for Burkina Faso, a nation grappling with security crises and political instability. His statements not only signal a further entrenchment of military rule but also raise critical questions about the future of governance and human rights in the region. As the military continues to face accusations of grave human rights abuses, the international community must grapple with the complexities of supporting democratic movements in a landscape where the rhetoric of security often trumps the pursuit of human rights and political freedoms. The implications of this shift extend beyond Burkina Faso, potentially influencing the trajectory of governance and conflict resolution across West Africa.
