Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has dismissed the idea that democracy is essential for national development, asserting that no country has achieved progress solely through democratic governance.
Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace, Traoré declared that Burkina Faso is undergoing a “popular, progressive revolution” rather than adhering to democratic principles.
He maintained that his nation must undergo a radical transformation in order to safeguard its future, arguing that democracy is only a consequence of prosperity rather than its primary driver.
He declared, “If we must state it clearly, we are in a popular, progressive revolution, not a democracy.” “A revolution is unavoidably necessary, and one is currently underway. Therefore, there is no space for this debate about democracy or freedom of speech or action. We end up with a disorderly society because, despite your belief that you are free to talk and act, the other person is equally free to do so.
The leader of Burkina Faso maintained that democratic governance alone has not produced notable development in any nation.
“There isn’t a single nation that has advanced in democracy. “Democracy is just the outcome,” Burkina24 cited him as saying.
Following a coup that overthrew interim President Paul-Henri Damiba in September 2022, Traoré came to prominence for his unorthodox policies and manner of administration.
His administration still places a high priority on national development and self-reliance, emphasizing revolutionary change over democracy in the Western sense.
Rejecting a Saudi Arabian invitation to build 200 mosques in Burkina Faso was one of his most recent contentious choices.
Rather, he called on the Gulf state to direct its funds toward infrastructural initiatives that would directly benefit the populace.
Reinforcing his vision for a new government model in Burkina Faso, Traoré insists that his administration will continue to interact with the public to explain the nature and purpose of the revolution.