Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has declared that the country should abandon any expectations of democratic governance, insisting that elections are no longer a priority.
Speaking in a televised interview on the state broadcaster RTB, Traore bluntly told citizens to “forget” democracy altogether.
“We’re not even talking about elections,” he said.
“People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy isn’t for us.”
Traore seized power in September 2022 after overthrowing a fellow junta leader, tightening his grip on the nation ever since.
Under his rule, dissent has been increasingly stifled, with sweeping restrictions placed on political and civic activity.
In a series of controversial moves, the military government scrapped the country’s electoral commission and, earlier this year, dissolved all political parties—many of which had already been suspended since the coup.
Burkina Faso had initially pledged a return to civilian rule following the first military takeover in January 2022, with a transition deadline set for July 2024.
However, the junta later extended the timeline by five years, effectively keeping Traore in power amid ongoing insecurity.
The country continues to battle a deadly insurgency, with jihadist violence claiming thousands of lives over the past decade.
The junta has used the worsening security situation as justification for delaying democratic processes.
International bodies, including the United Nations, have criticised the government’s actions, urging authorities to restore political freedoms and
