Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has declared that his country is not operating under a democratic framework, asserting instead that it is undergoing what he described as a “popular and progressive revolution.”
Speaking during a flag-raising event at the Koulouba Palace, Traoré addressed what he sees as a widespread misconception about democracy’s role in national advancement. He stated that no nation, in his view, has truly achieved meaningful development through democratic governance.
“We are not functioning under a democracy,” he said. “We are in a revolutionary phase. Talking about freedom of speech and action sounds ideal, but when everyone acts without restraint, it breeds disorder.”
Traoré emphasized that revolutionary change is essential to charting a new path for Burkina Faso. According to him, the belief that democracy leads to development is misleading. “Democracy is not a means to development; it is only a byproduct once a country has already achieved it,” he was quoted as saying by local media outlet Burkina24.
Since assuming power in September 2022 through a military takeover that removed interim President Paul-Henri Damiba, the 37-year-old leader has been known for his bold and often controversial stances.
In a notable example of his leadership approach, Traoré recently turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia to construct 200 mosques across Burkina Faso. He instead urged the Gulf nation to consider supporting infrastructure projects like schools, hospitals, and roads, which he said would directly improve the lives of citizens.
Traoré affirmed that his administration will continue to engage with the public, aiming to help them understand the ideology and goals behind the revolutionary movement currently steering the country.
