Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has asserted that his nation is currently undergoing a “popular, progressive revolution,” rather than operating within a democratic framework. He further stated that he believes no country has achieved development through democratic rule.
Traoré made these remarks during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace last week.
“If we have to say it loud and clear here, we are not in a democracy, we are in a popular, progressive revolution,” Traoré declared. “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.”
He challenged the notion that democracy is essential for development, claiming it is “false” to believe any nation has developed under a democratic system.
“It is impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy. Democracy is only the result,” he was quoted by Burkina24.
Traoré reiterated his government’s commitment to continuous communication and public education regarding the nature of the revolution.
The 37-year-old president, who assumed power in September 2022 following a coup that ousted interim President Paul-Henri Damiba, has garnered attention for his policy decisions. Notably, he recently declined Saudi Arabia’s offer to construct 200 mosques in Burkina Faso, instead urging the nation to invest in infrastructure projects that would directly benefit his people.
