In a stark repudiation of democratic ideals, Ibrahim Traoré, the military leader of Burkina Faso, has urged citizens to abandon hopes for democracy, asserting that it is “not for us.” Speaking to the state broadcaster Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB), Traoré, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, conveyed a grim outlook on the nation’s political future, suggesting that the concept of democracy is incompatible with the realities faced by the populace.
A Coup and Its Consequences
Traoré’s ascent to power came on the heels of a previous coup, which had only installed another junta nine months earlier. The young leader, now 37, has aggressively suppressed dissent and, in a sweeping move, banned political parties entirely in January. Initially, plans for a transition back to democratic governance were slated for 2024, but the junta has since extended Traoré’s rule until 2029, effectively sidelining any immediate prospects for free elections.
During his recent interview, Traoré starkly declared, “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 remarks reflect a broader narrative where he positions himself as a protector of the people against the perceived failures of democratic governance.
The Cost of Democracy
Traoré’s rhetoric takes a dark turn as he describes democracy as a “false” construct. He pointedly questioned the toll of democratic processes on the civilian population: “Democracy, we kill children. Democracy, we drop bombs, we kill women, we destroy hospitals, we kill civilian population. Is that democracy?” His comments resonate with a populace battered by years of violence and instability, yet they also raise alarms about the justifications for escalating military actions against both jihadist insurgents and civilians.
The country has been embroiled in a jihadist insurgency that has taken a devastating toll since 2014, with over 1,800 civilian deaths attributed to both the military and armed groups such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). Human Rights Watch recently reported that the junta’s actions, including the ethnic cleansing of the Fulani community, have resulted in widespread human rights abuses, further complicating the security landscape.
A Troubling Legacy
With a history steeped in revolutionary fervour, Traoré has sought to align himself with the legacy of Thomas Sankara, the iconic Marxist leader who governed Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987. Sankara’s anti-imperialist rhetoric and focus on self-sufficiency have found new resonance among segments of the population disillusioned with Western intervention. Traoré’s anti-French and anti-Western sentiments have garnered him support, but they also mask the rising tide of violence and instability that continues to plague the nation.
As the military regime grapples with the jihadist threat, Traoré’s government appears increasingly willing to resort to oppressive measures to maintain control. The junta’s track record suggests a troubling commitment to power over people, leaving the future of Burkina Faso uncertain and fraught with danger.
Why it Matters
The implications of Traoré’s statements extend far beyond Burkina Faso’s borders, reflecting a growing sentiment among military regimes across Africa that reject democratic frameworks in favour of authoritarian rule. As the continent grapples with escalating violence and instability, the dismissal of democratic principles by figures like Traoré raises critical questions about rights, governance, and the prospects for peace. The situation in Burkina Faso serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy in regions long plagued by conflict, where the voices of the oppressed often go unheard amidst the clashing of arms.
