Democracy kills and the people of Burkina Faso must forget it, the country's military ruler has said in an interview aired on state television. Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a coup three years ago, suggested most Africans do not want the system of democracy and that Burkina Faso had its own, alternative approach, without giving details.
Traoré initially pledged to restore democratic rule to the West African country by July 2024, but two months before this deadline, the junta announced it would extend its rule for another five years. In January, the authorities announced a ban on all political parties as part of a plan to rebuild the state.
In Thursday night's interview, Traoré said: People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us. He cited Libya as an example, a country that suffered under democratic movements and military intervention.
Despite military takeovers across Africa, many nations still uphold elections, albeit criticized for rigging. Traoré, recognizing the damage democracy has done, framed his regime as a revolutionary leadership free from Western influence. He did not suggest a new political system but emphasized his regime's intention to forge a path unique to Burkina Faso based on sovereignty, patriotism, and grassroots structures.
His administration has cracked down on dissent, with high civilian casualties reported, but he maintains a following for his pan-Africanist stance. As Burkina Faso seeks military support from non-Western powers like Russia, the conflict with Islamist militants continues unabated.
Traoré initially pledged to restore democratic rule to the West African country by July 2024, but two months before this deadline, the junta announced it would extend its rule for another five years. In January, the authorities announced a ban on all political parties as part of a plan to rebuild the state.
In Thursday night's interview, Traoré said: People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us. He cited Libya as an example, a country that suffered under democratic movements and military intervention.
Despite military takeovers across Africa, many nations still uphold elections, albeit criticized for rigging. Traoré, recognizing the damage democracy has done, framed his regime as a revolutionary leadership free from Western influence. He did not suggest a new political system but emphasized his regime's intention to forge a path unique to Burkina Faso based on sovereignty, patriotism, and grassroots structures.
His administration has cracked down on dissent, with high civilian casualties reported, but he maintains a following for his pan-Africanist stance. As Burkina Faso seeks military support from non-Western powers like Russia, the conflict with Islamist militants continues unabated.
