Burkina Faso Junta Leader Traoré Orders Citizens to ‘Forget Democracy’

Burkina Faso Junta Leader Traoré Orders Citizens to ‘Forget Democracy’ 

Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has urged citizens to set aside discussions about democratic governance, declaring that “democracy isn’t for us” as his junta consolidates control over the country. The comments came during a televised interview on state-run RTB on Thursday, highlighting the government’s rejection of elections and civilian rule.

Traoré seized power in a September 2022 coup, overthrowing a previous military government. Since then, his administration has extended a transition to civilian governance by five years, keeping him in power amid the country’s decade-long jihadist insurgency, which has caused thousands of deaths.

During the broadcast, Traoré dismissed the prospect of elections, saying: “We’re not even talking about elections, first of all. People need to forget about the issue of democracy.” Analysts note that his remarks signal a deepening authoritarian grip and a departure from the democratic transition initially promised after the coup.

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The junta has also taken sweeping political actions, including dissolving the independent electoral commission in October 2025 and banning all political parties in February 2026. These measures have virtually eliminated organized political competition and restricted civilian participation in governance.

International observers, including the United Nations, have urged Burkina Faso to restore civic freedoms and reverse the ban on political parties, warning that the country’s democratic institutions are under serious threat. Traoré’s administration has also expelled or suspended several international media outlets, limiting independent reporting.

The military government cites security concerns as justification for its authoritarian policies, framing its rule as necessary to combat the persistent insurgency in the Sahel. However, critics argue that such measures consolidate power and undermine political accountability.

Burkina Faso continues to face significant humanitarian and security challenges, with Traoré’s rejection of democratic governance raising concerns about the country’s long-term stability and its relations with the international community.

Burkina Faso Junta Leader Traoré Orders Citizens to ‘Forget Democracy’