“Democracy Kills” - Burkina Faso Leader Tells Public to Forget Election

Burkina Faso’s military leadership has moved further away from its stated democratic transition, with leader Ibrahim Traore openly rejecting democratic governance while consolidating control amid worsening insecurity.

Speaking on state television Thursday, Traore said: “People need to forget about the issue of democracy… democracy isn’t for us.”

He added: “Democracy kills” and “Democracy is slavery,” citing Libya as an example of failed externally imposed governance models.

The remarks mark a sharp departure from earlier commitments to restore civilian rule following the September 2022 coup.

The junta has dismantled key political structures. In January, more than 100 political parties were dissolved and their assets seized.

Parliament had already been suspended, while the Independent National Electoral Commission was scrapped in July 2025 on cost grounds.

Elections initially promised for 2024 were postponed, with authorities stating voting cannot occur until the entire country is secured.

Traore justified the shift as necessary to confront armed terror groups linked to Daesh. However, violence has intensified rather than receded. Fatalities have tripled since his takeover, reaching 17,775 by May, compared with 6,630 deaths in the preceding 3 years, according to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

Hundreds of thousands have been displaced as armed groups expand territorial control.

Burkina Faso has aligned with neighboring military governments in Mali and Niger, which have taken similar steps against political parties.

All 3 countries exited ECOWAS in January to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

They have also pivoted toward Russian paramilitary support after expelling approximately 5,000 French troops previously deployed in the region.

Critics point to growing pressure on institutions. Journalists, opposition figures, and legal professionals have been forcibly conscripted and sent to front lines in recent months.

Some were later released, but the measures have raised concerns about the erosion of civil and legal protections.