Burkina Faso is currently facing many challenges, particularly in terms of security. In this context, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, transitional president following the September 2022 coup, recently declared that elections would not be a priority until the security situation was resolved.
Indeed, the country has been facing jihadist violence since 2015, which has caused the death of more than 17,000 people and displaced more than two million people. Under these conditions, maintaining security and the fight against terrorism are absolute priorities for the government.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, however, affirmed that his objective was still to organize elections, but without specifying a date. He also stressed the importance of guaranteeing the participation of all Burkinabè, particularly those in the areas most affected by jihadist attacks.
Alongside this electoral question, the transitional president also mentioned the need for a partial modification of the Constitution. According to him, the current text only reflects the opinion of an enlightened minority, to the detriment of the will of the people. He therefore expressed his wish to allow greater popular participation in the development of political decisions.
Regarding the situation within the army, Captain Ibrahim Traoré affirmed that there was no unease and that recent coup attempts were the result of the action of a few manipulated individuals . He also underlined the importance of strengthening the army’s equipment and deplored the refusal of certain actors to sell equipment to Burkina Faso.
Internationally, Burkina Faso has looked for new partners since the departure of French soldiers in February. The country has moved closer to Russia and created an alliance with Mali and Niger, two countries also ruled by military regimes. This cooperation aims to strengthen defense and security in the Sahel region.
In conclusion, the current priority in Burkina Faso is security, before the organization of elections. The transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, seeks to resolve security problems and obtain greater popular participation in political decisions. The situation remains complex, but steps are being taken to address these challenges and ensure a stable future for the country.