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.
Look at Libya, this is an example close to us, said the 38-year-old, who casts himself as a revolutionary leader standing up to Western imperialism. Libya was ruled autocratically for four decades by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who oversaw a brutal regime while also providing Libyans with subsidized housing, free education, and free healthcare. He was killed during a rebellion assisted by Western military intervention. The North African country has since failed to hold elections and is split between two rival administrations, along with numerous armed groups.
Traoré criticized Western nations, stating that wherever they try to establish democracy, it often leads to bloodshed. Despite recent military takeovers, many African countries still conduct regular elections, although some face accusations of being rigged. Traoré's government has even been accused of suppressing dissent by punishing critics.
However, Traoré has garnered a significant following across Africa for his pan-African vision and critique of Western influence. Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has pivoted away from cooperation with Western allies, especially France, in its fight against Islamist militants, instead seeking military assistance from Russia.
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.
Look at Libya, this is an example close to us, said the 38-year-old, who casts himself as a revolutionary leader standing up to Western imperialism. Libya was ruled autocratically for four decades by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who oversaw a brutal regime while also providing Libyans with subsidized housing, free education, and free healthcare. He was killed during a rebellion assisted by Western military intervention. The North African country has since failed to hold elections and is split between two rival administrations, along with numerous armed groups.
Traoré criticized Western nations, stating that wherever they try to establish democracy, it often leads to bloodshed. Despite recent military takeovers, many African countries still conduct regular elections, although some face accusations of being rigged. Traoré's government has even been accused of suppressing dissent by punishing critics.
However, Traoré has garnered a significant following across Africa for his pan-African vision and critique of Western influence. Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has pivoted away from cooperation with Western allies, especially France, in its fight against Islamist militants, instead seeking military assistance from Russia.
