Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has called on citizens to set aside discussions about democratic governance, declaring that the system is not suitable for the country.
Traore made the remarks during an interview aired on national television on Thursday.
The junta leader, who seized power in a September 2022 coup after overthrowing a previous military government, has since intensified efforts to silence opposition voices.
In the broadcast with state-run RTB, Traore dismissed conversations about elections and democratic transition.
“We’re not even talking about elections, first of all,” Traore said.
“People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy isn’t for us.”
Since assuming control, the military administration has taken sweeping political measures. Last year, authorities disbanded the electoral commission, and in February, the junta-controlled parliament dissolved all political parties. Their activities had already been suspended since 2022.
Following the initial coup in January 2022, authorities had outlined a transition to civilian rule expected to conclude in July 2024. However, the junta later extended the timeline by five years, effectively keeping Traore in power as the country continues to grapple with a decade-long jihadist insurgency that has resulted in thousands of deaths.
The United Nations has called on Burkina Faso to reverse the ban on political parties and end restrictions on civic freedoms.
Traore’s administration, which has taken a hostile stance toward Western nations, particularly France, has also moved against the international press, banning or suspending several foreign media organisations and expelling some journalists.
AFP
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