By Adeleke Damilola

Burkina Faso’s interim president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has openly dismissed democracy as a viable path to national development, insisting that his country is undergoing a “popular, progressive revolution” rather than adhering to democratic principles.

Speaking during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace, Traoré stated that no nation has developed because of democracy, asserting instead that democracy is the result of development—not its foundation.

“If we have to say it loud and clear here, we are not in a democracy, we are in a popular, progressive revolution,” Traoré said. “This question of democracy or libertinism of action or expression has no place.”

The 37-year-old leader, who rose to power following a military coup in September 2022, emphasized that unrestricted individual freedoms often lead to societal disorder.

“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 explained.

Traoré also took aim at Western models of governance, positioning himself as a strong proponent of a locally-driven revolution tailored to the needs of the Burkinabè people. His government has repeatedly resisted pressure from Western allies who continue to push for a return to constitutional rule in the Sahel region.

The military leader’s latest remarks are expected to deepen tensions between Burkina Faso’s transitional government and the international community, especially as the country continues to battle security threats from armed groups and struggles with economic challenges.

Since taking office, Traoré has maintained that stability, security, and unity must come before political liberalization, painting democracy as an imported concept ill-suited to Burkina Faso’s current reality.

His stance continues to stir debate across Africa, with some praising his firm leadership, while others warn of increasing authoritarianism under the guise of revolutionary governance.