Burkina Faso’s transitional leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré has signalled a prolonged military-led transition, stating the country should “forget about democracy” while prioritising security challenges.

When asked about elections during a roundtable with journalists aired on state television on Thursday (2 April) night, Traore said his administration was focused on other challenges.

“People need to forget about the issue of democracy,” he said. “We have to tell the truth: democracy isn’t for us.”

Invoking the example of Libya, where he said outsiders tried to “impose ‌democracy”, ⁠he added that “democracy kills.”

Burkina Faso continues to face a protracted insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, contributing to widespread instability across the Sahel. In January, authorities dissolved political parties after suspending political activity.

A recent report by Human Rights Watch indicates rising civilian casualties since 2023, involving both Islamist militants and state-aligned forces, underscoring the country’s ongoing governance and security challenges.

ℹ️ Reuters

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Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traore arrives at the Kremlin to attend a festive concert in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Alexander Kryazhev/Host agency RIA Novosti/Handout via REUTERS
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