President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has declared that his country is not practising democracy but undergoing what he described as a “popular, progressive revolution.” Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace last week, the 37-year-old leader argued that democracy is not the path to development.
“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.
He dismissed the belief that democracy is a prerequisite for national development, stating that it is “false” to assume any country has attained growth through democratic governance.
“It is impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy. Democracy is only the result,” he asserted.
Traoré criticized what he termed the “libertinism” of speech and expression associated with democratic systems, arguing that unchecked freedom creates societal disorder. He emphasized that Burkina Faso must go through a revolution to establish the foundation for national progress.
Since assuming office in September 2022 through a coup that ousted interim President Paul-Henri Damiba, Traoré has made headlines for his bold and unconventional decisions. Recently, he turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia to build 200 mosques in the country, urging instead for investments in essential infrastructure that directly benefit the people.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to educating citizens on the meaning and goals of the revolution, which he said is central to Burkina Faso’s future.
