President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has declared that the West African nation is not operating under a democratic system but is instead undergoing a “popular, progressive revolution.”
Speaking during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace last week, Traoré emphasized that the country’s current political structure does not reflect conventional democratic principles, asserting that democracy is not a prerequisite for 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 stated. “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.”
He criticized the widespread belief that democracy is essential for national growth, arguing that no country has truly developed under a democratic system. “It is impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy. Democracy is only the result,” he said, as quoted by Burkina24.
Traoré also warned against what he described as a “society of disorder” that arises when absolute freedom of speech and action goes unchecked. “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.
Since assuming office in September 2022 following a military coup that ousted interim President Paul-Henri Damiba, the 37-year-old leader has made headlines for his strong anti-colonial rhetoric and defiant policy stances.
Recently, Traoré rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia to construct 200 mosques in Burkina Faso, urging instead that such funds be directed towards critical infrastructure projects that would benefit the wider population.
The Burkina Faso leader reiterated his government’s commitment to raising awareness about the nature of the revolution underway, stating that authorities will continue to “communicate, explain, and make people understand what revolution is.”
Captain Traoré’s remarks further reinforce his administration’s break from traditional governance models and signal a continued focus on revolutionary change over democratic reform.
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