Burkina Faso’s military ruler, Ibrahim Traoré, has declared that democracy is not appropriate for his country, signalling a prolonged stay in power and further delaying a return to civilian rule.

Speaking during a televised discussion, Traoré said citizens should “forget about democracy,” arguing that the system has failed to address the country’s pressing challenges, according to Reuters. He added that his government is prioritising national security over elections as the country battles persistent insurgent violence.

Traoré, who came to power through a coup in 2022, had initially promised to organise elections in 2024. However, he has since shifted position, stating that voting cannot take place until the country is stable enough to ensure full participation, Reuters reported. Burkina Faso has faced more than a decade of attacks linked to extremist groups associated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

In a move that further consolidates military control, the government dissolved all political parties earlier this year after previously suspending their activities. Before the coup, the country had over 100 registered parties, with several represented in parliament following the 2020 elections, according to Reuters.

Burkina Faso is not alone in this trend. Neighbouring countries such as Mali and Niger, also under military rule after coups, have taken similar steps by disbanding political parties and delaying democratic processes.

Meanwhile, concerns over human rights continue to grow. A recent report by Human Rights Watch found that security forces and allied groups in Burkina Faso have killed significantly more civilians than insurgents since 2023, as reported by Reuters. The government has not publicly responded to these findings.

The latest remarks by Traoré highlight the deepening political shift in parts of West Africa, where military governments are increasingly prioritising security over democratic governance amid ongoing instability.