Democracy 'kills' and the people of Burkina Faso must 'forget' it, said military ruler Capt. Ibrahim Traoré during a state television interview. Traoré, who seized power in 2023, claimed that most Africans do not desire democracy and hinted that Burkina Faso is developing its own alternative governance model.
Originally, Traoré had promised to restore democratic elections by July 2024, but he recently announced an extension of military rule for an additional five years. He has banned all political parties, describing them as dangerous and incompatible with his vision of governance.
In the interview, Traoré stated, People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us, using Libya as a cautionary example of the tumult that can follow democratic interventions.
He criticized the concept of democracy as leading to bloodshed and remarked that the political landscape in Africa is often rife with deceitful politicians. Instead of copying other systems, Traoré insisted that Burkina Faso is working on a unique approach rooted in sovereignty.
Tensions are high as Burkina Faso aligns itself more closely with Russia for military assistance, while distancing itself from Western nations, especially France. This shift comes amid ongoing violence from Islamist militants, with a recent report indicating over 1,800 civilian deaths since Traoré assumed power.
Despite his suppression of dissent and accusations against his government of punishing critics, Traoré has garnered a significant following among those who support his anti-Western sentiment and pan-Africanist vision.
