Military junta leader in Burkina Faso declares democracy ‘not for us’

The military-led government in Burkina Faso has adopted a new charter that grants Captain Ibrahim Traoré—who seized power in a 2022 coup—the authority to run for president, legislative, and municipal elections when they eventually take place.

During a nationally televised press conference on April 2, Captain Traoré bluntly told citizens to “forget” about democracy, declaring, “We are not in a democracy. Democracy is not for us.” This statement follows his previous admission last year that Burkina Faso is not operating under democratic principles.

Captain Traoré rose to power in September 2022 through a coup, marking the second such takeover in eight months. The political transition, originally scheduled to conclude with elections in July 2024, has been indefinitely postponed under the new regime.

military charter delays elections and consolidates power

The recently approved charter extends the military’s rule for an additional five years beyond July 2024. It also allows Captain Traoré to run in future elections, which are now slated for after this extended period. The charter represents a significant shift from the initial transition plan aimed at restoring civilian governance.

In recent months, the junta has taken further steps to tighten control, including the dissolution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) in October 2025 and the outright ban of political parties in February 2025—though their activities had already been suspended.

restrictions on media and political dissent intensify

Since assuming power, Captain Traoré’s government has systematically restricted press freedoms, banning or suspending several international media outlets and expelling foreign journalists. This crackdown reflects the regime’s growing hostility toward Western nations, particularly France.

During the lengthy interview, Captain Traoré addressed the case of his predecessor, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who took power in January 2022’s coup and is now accused of orchestrating multiple coup attempts and corruption. Damiba was recently extradited from Togo to face trial in Ouagadougou.

“A judge has already seen him… he is in the hands of justice,” Captain Traoré stated.

ongoing security crisis and accusations against the military

Burkina Faso has been grappling with a decade-long jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives. While the junta claims to have received military equipment from its ally Russia, it denies any foreign involvement in training its forces, insisting that Burkinabe soldiers are solely responsible for combat operations.

However, the regime has faced accusations from human rights organizations of committing abuses against civilians. Captain Traoré dismissed these claims, asserting that “there is no evidence” to support them.

The military leadership continues to defend its actions, framing the current political system as necessary for addressing the country’s urgent security challenges rather than pursuing democratic reforms.