Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, made it painfully clear that democracy isn’t even on his radar. Almost a year since staging a coup to seize power, Traore boldly declared on state television that elections in Burkina Faso are “not a priority.” Instead, he has decided that “security” is the real issue, as if the two are mutually exclusive.
Traore’s previous promise to restore democracy with presidential elections by July 2024 has now been relegated to the dustbin of empty political rhetoric. He mentioned some vague plans to tinker with the constitution, claiming he wants it to represent the “masses.” It’s safe to say that these so-called changes will probably serve to consolidate his grip on power rather than empower the people.
He nonchalantly brushed aside the importance of elections in a country plagued by jihadist violence, effectively saying that the citizens’ voices and choices can wait. Traore did mention that there will be an election at some point, but without specifying a date. It seems he’s more interested in maintaining control in areas like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, where jihadist attacks have been less frequent.
Traore, who at 34 became the world’s youngest leader when he took office, has failed spectacularly in his promises. He pledged to improve security within “two to three months,” but a year later, Burkina Faso still grapples with jihadist violence. Over 17,000 people have died in attacks since 2015, with more than 6,000 of those deaths occurring just this year. Yet, Traore seems to deflect blame, blaming “certain actors” for not providing the army with equipment.
Under his leadership, relations with France have crumbled, and French forces have left the country. Burkina Faso has cozied up to Russia and formed alliances with military regimes in Mali and Niger. Meanwhile, concerns about personal freedoms in Burkina Faso continue to grow, with reports of abuses by the military-backed Volunteer Defense Force (VDP).
In a final slap to democracy, Traore suggested that “individual freedoms must not take precedence over collective freedoms.” It’s clear that the only collective freedom he’s interested in is the freedom to maintain his authoritarian rule. While the world watches, Traore’s regime tightens its grip on Burkina Faso, and the people’s aspirations for democracy and security are left in the shadows of his power-hungry agenda.
