By Our Correspondent

National News — Ibrahim Traoré, the military ruler of Burkina Faso, has declared that citizens should “forget” democracy as the country continues under military rule.

Speaking in a televised interview on Thursday with state broadcaster Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina (RTB), the junta leader said elections were not currently a priority as the government focuses on security and stability.

Traoré, who seized power during a military coup in September 2022, insisted that the country’s immediate concerns are security challenges and national survival rather than democratic processes.

According to him, discussions about elections and democratic governance should be set aside for now.

The military officer took control after overthrowing another junta leader during a second coup in less than a year.

Since then, his administration has tightened control over political activities and dissent across the West African nation.

Burkina Faso had initially planned a transition back to democratic governance after the first coup in January 2022.

The transition timeline was expected to end in July 2024, allowing for elections and the restoration of civilian rule.

However, the junta government later extended the transition period by five years, effectively allowing Traoré to remain in power until at least 2029.

Authorities justified the decision by citing ongoing security threats linked to extremist violence that has plagued the country for nearly a decade.

The Sahel nation has been battling armed insurgent groups linked to jihadist movements, which have caused thousands of deaths and displaced many residents.

The military government argues that stabilising the country and strengthening the armed forces must take priority before organising elections.

In recent months, the government has also dissolved the country’s electoral commission and suspended political party activities.

In February, the junta-led parliament formally banned political parties altogether, further consolidating military control over governance.

International organisations, including the United Nations, have urged Burkina Faso’s authorities to reverse restrictions on political parties and restore civic freedoms.

Since taking power, Traoré’s administration has also adopted a tougher stance toward Western countries, particularly France, while suspending several international media outlets and expelling some foreign journalists.