Captain Traoré calls for revolution as the foundation for national progress in bold remarks at Koulouba Palace
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – April 7, 2025 — Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, made a controversial statement last week, rejecting the widely held notion that democracy is a key driver of national development. During a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace, Traoré emphasized that true development cannot be achieved within a democratic system, which he believes is inherently flawed and unsuitable for the country’s progress.
“It is impossible to name a country that has developed under democracy,” Traoré said during his address. “Democracy is only the result, not the means, of development.”
Traoré, who has led Burkina Faso since he seized power in a military coup in September 2022, dismissed the concept of democracy as a prerequisite for development, instead asserting that the country is undergoing a “popular, progressive revolution.” His remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of military-led governments across the region, particularly as Burkina Faso continues to grapple with insurgent violence and internal instability.
A Revolutionary Stance: Rejecting Democracy for Development
Captain Traoré’s statement was delivered during a flag-raising ceremony at the presidential palace, where he declared that the country is not in a democratic state, but rather in the midst of a revolution aimed at pushing the nation toward progress. He argued that for true advancement to occur, Burkina Faso must undergo a revolutionary process, one that does not rely on the principles of democracy, which he believes promote disorder rather than 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 boldly 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.”
Traoré’s rejection of democracy as a developmental tool underscores his firm belief in the idea that revolution—whether through military or popular means—is essential to achieving meaningful societal progress. This view contrasts sharply with the traditional narrative that democratic governance and institutions are vital to national growth and prosperity.
A Military Leader’s Vision for Burkina Faso
Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took control of Burkina Faso in 2022 following a coup that ousted the former leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the country has been navigating turbulent waters. Traoré’s rise to power came amid growing frustration with the government’s inability to combat escalating jihadist insurgencies and political instability. His government has focused heavily on military action as a means of addressing security challenges while promising national unity and development through revolutionary ideals.
Despite the controversial nature of his rule, Traoré has garnered support among certain segments of the population who see him as a figure capable of restoring order and stability. However, his comments on the role of democracy have sparked significant debate, particularly as the country continues to experience the devastating effects of violence from extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
A Growing Movement for Revolution in Africa: Traoré’s Words Amid Nigerian Protests
Captain Traoré’s remarks also come at a time when other political movements across Africa are pushing for revolutionary changes. One such movement is led by Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore, who is spearheading the ‘Take it Back’ movement in Nigeria. On April 7, 2025, Sowore’s supporters began a series of protests across major Nigerian cities, calling for a revolution to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sowore, who has long been a vocal critic of Nigeria’s democratic system, echoed some of Traoré’s sentiments in his calls for revolution. He believes that the current democratic structure in Nigeria is failing to address the pressing issues of governance, corruption, and inequality, and has repeatedly called for radical change. His movement has gained traction in recent months, with many Nigerians increasingly disillusioned with the country’s political elites.
While there are significant differences between the situations in Burkina Faso and Nigeria, both Traoré’s leadership and Sowore’s movement underscore a broader sense of frustration with the status quo and the belief that revolution—whether violent or peaceful—may be the only way to bring about meaningful change.
The Broader Debate: Revolution vs. Democracy in Africa
The tension between revolutionary leadership and democratic governance is not unique to Burkina Faso or Nigeria. Across the African continent, a number of countries have experienced military coups and popular uprisings in recent years, as populations demand greater accountability from their governments.
In many cases, military leaders like Captain Ibrahim Traoré and Mali’s Colonel Assimi Goita argue that democracy is an insufficient framework for tackling the complex challenges their countries face, including terrorism, corruption, and poverty. They often view revolution as a more direct and effective way to achieve stability, economic growth, and national unity.
On the other hand, critics of military rule argue that coups and revolutions often exacerbate instability, leading to violations of human rights, economic decline, and a weakening of democratic institutions. Proponents of democracy stress the importance of free and fair elections, accountable governance, and respect for human rights as the foundation for long-term prosperity and peace.
Traoré’s latest comments reflect a deepening divide in the ideological battle for Africa’s future. As Burkina Faso continues its journey under military rule, and as activists like Sowore call for change in Nigeria and other nations, the continent’s political landscape remains in flux, with revolution and democracy each vying for legitimacy in shaping the path forward.
Implications for Burkina Faso’s Future
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s revolutionary vision will impact Burkina Faso’s future. The country’s ongoing battle against jihadist insurgents has placed immense pressure on the military government to deliver security and stability. However, Traoré’s rejection of democracy raises questions about the long-term sustainability of military rule in the region.
While the Burkinabé military government may find support among certain factions of the population, it risks alienating international allies and foreign partners who may see the overthrow of democratic processes as a step backward for Burkina Faso’s future development.
As the situation evolves, one thing is clear: Burkina Faso’s political trajectory under Traoré will continue to be marked by ideological debates over revolution, democracy, and the true path to national progress.
