In a recent development, Burkina Faso’s coup leader, Ibrahim Traore, announced that there will be no elections in the country until security concerns have been effectively addressed. Traore had previously committed to reinstating elections as part of a pledge to safeguard democracy by 2024.
Via a national television broadcast, the junta leader asserted that elections were secondary to resolving pressing security matters. In response to a question regarding the postponement of elections due to security risks, Traore explained that there would be no elections centered solely in Ouagadougou, Bougouriba, and a few other surrounding towns. He emphasized the need for all Burkinabes to participate in the electoral process and candidates to be able to campaign across the country.
The situation in Burkina Faso is alarming. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project reveals that over 17,000 people have lost their lives in regional attacks since 2015, and the past year alone saw over 6,000 casualties. Conflicts with jihadist groups account for a significant number of these fatalities.
Ibrahim Traore rose to power following a coup in 2022 amid a surge in jihadist violence, including attacks by Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. During his tenure, Traore attempted to rally support for the civilian Defence of the Fatherland force, which unfortunately, has not significantly mitigated the situation. As he recently stated, they are effectively “at war.”
Beyond security concerns, Burkina Faso has seen notable regression in human rights and press freedoms recently, including the suspension of several media outlets like RFI, France 24, and Jeune Afrique, and the expulsion of journalists from Liberation and Le Monde. Similarly, in neighboring areas such as Niger and Mali, pro-coup protesters are calling for the withdrawal of the French military presence.
Find the full report on this situation here.