Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, told citizens to “forget about democracy,” signaling that elections will not be held until the country is considered secure for all voters. His remarks, aired Thursday on state television, mark a continuation of his long-term grip on power.

Traore’s government had initially promised to hold elections in 2024. However, a year after the coup, he said the country’s ongoing security challenges — including Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State — prevent holding credible elections. “People need to forget about the issue of democracy,” Traore told journalists. “We have to tell the truth: democracy isn’t for us.”

Citing Libya as an example, he claimed that attempts by outsiders to impose democratic governance can be harmful. “Democracy kills,” he added, framing his stance as prioritising stability and security over electoral processes.

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The military government dissolved all political parties in January, following earlier suspension of political activities. Prior to the coup, Burkina Faso had more than 100 registered parties, with 15 represented in parliament after the 2020 general election. Neighboring countries Mali and Niger, also under military rule, have taken similar steps to disband political parties.

The country has faced decades of violent Islamist insurgencies, which have killed thousands and displaced millions. A report released Thursday by Human Rights Watch indicated that Burkina Faso’s military and allied forces have killed more than twice as many civilians as insurgents since 2023. The government has not responded to requests for comment on the report.

Traore’s comments underscore the broader trend of military-led governance in the Sahel region, where security crises are being used to justify the suspension of democratic processes. Analysts warn that delaying elections further could deepen political instability and hinder international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis.

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