Democracy can’t foster development, says Burkina Faso president

Democracy can’t foster development, says Burkina Faso president

The President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has said it is difficult to identify any country that developed under democracy and described his country as undergoing a “popular, progressive revolution” rather than functioning under a democratic system.

He remarked that identifying a country that has achieved development through democratic governance is challenging.

Traoré shared these views during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace

He said, “If we have to say it loud and clear here, we are not in a democracy, we are in a popular, progressive revolution.

“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. 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.”

He criticised the notion that democracy is a prerequisite for development, saying it is “false” to believe any country has developed under a democratic system.

“It is impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy. Democracy is only the result,” Burkina24 quoted him.

He maintained that his government would continue to communicate, explain, and make people understand what revolution is.

Traore has been notable for his decisions after his emergence as the President of the West African country.

The 37-year-old President who assumed office in September 2022 through a coup de’tat that ousted interim President Paul-Henri Damiba recently rejected Saudi Arabia’s offer to build 200 mosques in his country.

He urged the Islamic country to rather invest in essential infrastructure projects that would directly benefit his people.

Iyabo Ojo backs nonconventional film promotion, citing changing times

JAMB detects 585 fake A’Level certificates

Tears as 4 gospel singers perish in fatal motor accident