In a stark departure from any semblance of democratic aspirations, Ibrahim Traoré, the self-proclaimed military president of Burkina Faso, has declared that citizens must abandon hopes for democracy, labelling it “not for us.” This declaration, made during an interview with the state broadcaster Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB) on Thursday, underscores the troubling trajectory of a nation already grappling with escalating violence and humanitarian crises.
A Coup That Changed Everything
Since seizing power in September 2022, Traoré has systematically dismantled the fragile democratic framework in Burkina Faso, following a coup that overthrew a predecessor junta only nine months earlier. What was initially a transition period towards democratic governance, set for 2024, has now morphed into an extended military rule, with Traoré’s regime firmly in place until at least 2029.
In his recent comments, Traoré candidly dismissed the notion of future elections, insisting, “We’re not even talking about elections, first of all … People need to forget about the question of democracy.” The 37-year-old leader’s rhetoric conveys a chilling reality for Burkinabé citizens who have already witnessed their political rights erode under authoritarian rule.
The Brutal Reality of Governance
Traoré’s rejection of democratic ideals goes beyond mere rhetoric; he has painted a grim picture of what he perceives as the failures of democracy. “Democracy is false,” he asserted, offering a harrowing critique of the violence that has plagued the nation. “Democracy, we kill children. Democracy, we drop bombs, we kill women, we destroy hospitals, we kill civilian population. Is that democracy?”
His words resonate amid an ongoing jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions since its inception in 2014. Official data indicates that approximately 2.1 million people—nearly 9% of Burkina Faso’s population—have been forced from their homes. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that the conflict has led to over 1,800 civilian deaths from January 2023 onwards, attributing blame to both the military and jihadist groups like Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wa al‑Muslimin (JNIM).
A Cycle of Violence and Human Rights Abuses
The humanitarian landscape grows increasingly bleak, as HRW has accused all parties involved, including the military and its allied militias, of committing heinous acts that may amount to crimes against humanity. Among the allegations is the ethnic cleansing of Fulani civilians, a community targeted by the junta for their perceived affiliations with jihadist factions. Targeted killings and forced displacements have marred what little remains of civilian safety.
In the wake of a shocking report detailing the execution of 223 civilians in a single day earlier this year, Traoré’s government rebuffed the claims and subsequently banned HRW, alongside several international media outlets, from operating within its borders. This suppression of dissent and accountability further entrenches the cycle of violence and impunity.
The Impact of Anti-Western Sentiment
Traoré’s rise is marked by a surge of anti-French and anti-Western sentiment, which has resonated strongly across Africa. He has drawn comparisons with Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader who presided over Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987. This association has garnered Traoré a degree of support among those disillusioned with Western influence in the region.
However, his failure to effectively combat the jihadist threat raises questions about the sustainability of his rule. As Burkina Faso continues to spiral into chaos, with rising death tolls and an ever-growing humanitarian crisis, the consequences of abandoning democratic principles become increasingly dire.
Why it Matters
The implications of Traoré’s rejection of democracy are profound, not just for Burkina Faso but for the wider region. In a context where authoritarianism is on the rise, the erosion of democratic norms threatens to entrench cycles of violence and instability. As the country grapples with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, the international community must grapple with the stark realities of a leadership that prioritises power over peace, risking further alienation and suffering for its citizens.
