Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has Afterd on citizens to abandon democracy, claiming the system brings harm rather than stability.
In an interview broadcast on state television, Traoré argued that democracy is not suited to Burkina Faso or much of Africa.
“People need to forget about democracy,” he said. “It is not for us.”
Traoré, who seized power in a coup three years ago, had initially promised to restore civilian rule by July 2024. However, shortly before that deadline, the military government extended its rule by an additional five years.
Earlier this year, authorities also banned all political parties, citing a plan to “rebuild the state.”
He criticized political parties as divisive and dangerous, describing politicians as dishonest and self-serving.
While rejecting Western-style governance, he did not outline a clear alternative system, stating only that Burkina Faso would pursue its own path focused on sovereignty, patriotism, and grassroots mobilisation.
Traoré pointed to Libya as an example of the failure of imposed democracy.
He also accused Western powers of spreading violence under the guise of promoting democracy.
“Wherever they try to establish democracy, it is accompanied by bloodshed,” he said.
Traoré’s government has faced allegations of suppressing dissent, including crackdowns on opposition groups, media, and civil society.
Since taking power, Traoré has promoted economic and military self-reliance, urging citizens to work longer hours to accelerate national development.
