President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, stated that the country is undergoing a “popular, progressive revolution” and is not operating under a democratic system.
He expressed that it is difficult to identify any country that has developed by practicing democratic rule.
Traoré made these remarks during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace last week.
He said, “To make it clear, we are not in a democracy, we are in a popular, progressive revolution.”
“We must go through a revolution, and indeed, we are in a revolution. So, the question of democracy or freedom of action or expression has no place. As much as you think you are free to speak and act, others also have the freedom to speak and act, which leads to a society of disorder.”
He criticised the idea that democracy is essential for development, calling it “false” to believe that any country has developed under a democratic system.
“It is impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy. Democracy is only the result,” Burkina24 quoted him as saying.
He emphasised that his government would continue to communicate, explain, and help people understand what revolution truly means.
Traoré has gained attention for his actions since becoming president. The 37-year-old, who took office in September 2022 following a coup that ousted interim President Paul-Henri Damiba, recently rejected Saudi Arabia’s offer to build 200 mosques in Burkina Faso. Instead, he urged the Islamic country to invest in essential infrastructure projects that would benefit his people directly.
