Burkina Faso Military Leader Traore Calls for Abandoning Democratic System

Burkina Faso’s Military Leader Discusses Democracy in Exclusive Interview

In a recent interview on state television, Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traore, stated that people need to “forget” about democracy. The comments came just three months after his government dissolved all political parties in the country.

Traore referenced Libya as an example of a country where he believes outsiders attempted to impose democracy but failed. He also mentioned that democracy is not suitable for Burkina Faso and can be detrimental, citing Libya as a prime example of its negative consequences.

Traore’s comments are part of a broader trend of his government distancing itself from the initial promises made to establish a democratic system in the country. Since seizing power in September 2022, Traore’s government has faced criticism for its handling of the ongoing conflict with armed groups and its impact on civilians.

The military government initially promised to organize elections in 2024 but later reneged on this promise, citing safety concerns. In January, Traore’s government scrapped over 100 political parties in the country and seized their assets. The Independent National Electoral Commission was also dissolved in July 2025 due to cost concerns.

Traore’s comments have raised concerns about the government’s targeting of institutions, including the media and judiciary. Journalists, opposition leaders, and prosecutors critical of the military government have been forcibly conscripted and sent to the front lines in recent months.

According to analysis by the US-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies, fatalities in Burkina Faso have tripled since Traore took power, reaching 17,775 by last May. The majority of those killed were civilians, many at the hands of government forces and allied militias.

Traore’s comments highlight the complexities of the situation in Burkina Faso, where the military government is struggling to maintain control and address the ongoing conflict with armed groups.

Source: Al Jazeera