President Ibrahim Traoré, the interim leader of Burkina Faso, has expressed a strong view that no country can develop under a democratic system. He articulated this perspective during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace, emphasizing that Burkina Faso is not operating as a democracy but is instead undergoing what he calls a “popular, progressive revolution.” According to Traoré, democracy is not a prerequisite for development and may even hinder it. He argues that it is difficult to identify any nation whose progress can be solely attributed to democratic governance, asserting, “It is impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy. Democracy is only the result.”
Traoré’s reasoning centers on his belief that democracy fosters a form of “libertinism” in action and expression, which he sees as leading to societal disorder rather than the disciplined transformation he deems necessary for development. He stated, “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.”
In his view, this lack of control undermines the ability to enact the revolutionary changes needed to address Burkina Faso’s challenges, such as security threats from jihadist insurgencies, economic stagnation, and infrastructure deficits. Instead, he advocates for a revolutionary approach that prioritizes collective goals over individual freedoms, suggesting that only through such a system can a nation like Burkina Faso achieve meaningful progress.
This stance reflects Traoré’s broader leadership philosophy since taking power in a September 2022 coup. He has prioritized security and self-reliance over democratic norms, distancing Burkina Faso from Western-style governance models and international institutions like ECOWAS, while forging closer ties with countries like Russia.
His rejection of Saudi Arabia’s offer to build 200 mosques in favor of infrastructure projects further underscores his focus on practical development over symbolic gestures, aligning with his revolutionary vision rather than a democratic framework. Traoré maintains that democracy emerges as an outcome of development, not as its foundation, a perspective that challenges conventional narratives about governance and progress.
