In a bold and defiant televised address to the nation, Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, declared that the West African country is not operating under a democratic system, but is undergoing what he called a “popular, progressive revolution.”
“We are not in a democracy, we are in a revolution,” Captain Traoré told the Burkinabè people during the national broadcast. “If we have to say it loud and clear here, we are not in a democracy, we are in a popular, progressive revolution.”
The 36-year-old leader, who came to power in a 2022 military coup, made it clear that his vision for Burkina Faso’s future does not align with conventional Western democratic models. He dismissed the idea that democracy alone can lead to development, stating, “It’s even more surprising that those who are supposed to be intellectuals… can imagine that a country can develop in democracy. That’s false.”
“Democracy is only the end result,” he continued. “We must necessarily go through a revolution, and we are indeed in a revolution.”
Captain Traoré, widely seen as a symbol of anti-imperialist sentiment in the Sahel region, emphasized that the government would continue its efforts to educate and inform the public about the objectives of the current revolution. He also warned against what he called “libertinism” disguised as freedom of expression and action, suggesting it leads to social 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 said.
The speech comes amid heightened tensions in the region, increasing insecurity from jihadist insurgencies, and a broader shift away from Western alliances in favor of stronger ties with other African nations and powers like Russia.
Traoré’s remarks are expected to spark debate both domestically and internationally, as observers continue to assess Burkina Faso’s direction under his leadership.
