…Declares End of Democracy, Calls for Revolutionary Governance
President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has declared that the West African nation is no longer operating under a democratic system but is instead undergoing what he described as a “popular, progressive revolution.”
Traoré made the declaration during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace last week, asserting that democracy is not a prerequisite for national development.
“If we have to say it loud and clear here, we are not in a democracy, we are in a popular, progressive revolution,” he stated.
He further explained that the concept of democracy or unrestricted freedom of speech and action, which he described as “libertinism,” has no place in the revolutionary path the country has chosen.
“We must necessarily go through a revolution, and we are indeed in a revolution. So this question of democracy or libertinism of action or expression has no place. 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 said.
The 37-year-old leader, who came to power through a coup in September 2022 that ousted interim President Paul-Henri Damiba, questioned the global belief in democracy as a foundation for growth.
“It is impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy. Democracy is only the result,” he was quoted as saying by local media outlet Burkina24.
Traoré reaffirmed that his administration would continue to engage the people in understanding the revolutionary path it has chosen.
In a separate development that has drawn international attention, the President recently rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia to build 200 mosques in Burkina Faso, urging the Kingdom to instead fund critical infrastructure projects that would directly benefit the population.
