Burkina Faso Not Operating Under Democracy – President

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has emphasized that the country is not operating under a democratic system, but is undergoing what he describes as a “popular, progressive revolution.”

Traoré, who came to power following a coup in September 2022, made the remarks during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace last week.

The President boldly stated: “If we have to say it loud and clear here, we are not in a democracy, we are in a popular, progressive revolution.”

He explained that the country must go through this revolution, dismissing the idea that democracy is essential for national development.

Traoré criticized the concept of democracy as a requirement for progress, asserting that it is “false” to believe any nation has reached true development under democratic rule.

According to him, it is “impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy,” suggesting that democracy itself is only a result, not a cause of development.

He further argued against the idea of unrestricted freedom of action and expression, claiming that such a system leads to disorder.

“As much as you think you are free to speak and act, the other is also free to speak and act, and there we end up with a society of disorder,” Traoré stated.

The 37-year-old President, who assumed office through a coup that ousted interim President Paul-Henri Damiba, has also been recognized for his bold decisions.

Recently, he rejected Saudi Arabia’s offer to build 200 mosques in Burkina Faso, urging the Gulf nation to invest instead in critical infrastructure projects that would directly benefit the people of Burkina Faso.

As part of his leadership style, Traoré reiterated that his government would continue to educate and explain to the public what the revolution means for the country’s future.