Burkina Faso’s Transition to Democracy
Following a national talk, the ruling junta in Burkina Faso is set to remain in power for an additional five years as proposed in a new charter. The transition back to democracy is extended by 60 months from July, according to the approved text of the charter signed by military leader Ibrahim Traore.
New Charter Details
- The military authorities took control in a 2022 coup and initially planned to hold elections in July to restore civilian rule.
- Security concerns have been highlighted as a priority alongside the transition process.
- According to the new charter, the transition period is officially set at 60 months starting from July 2.
- If the security situation allows, elections to mark the end of the transition may be held before the specified deadline.
- Under the charter, military leader Ibrahim Traore is permitted to run for president during the upcoming elections.
Regional Concerns
The significant delay in the transition process is raising worries about democratic regression in West and Central Africa. The region has witnessed a series of coups in recent years, totaling eight in the past four years.
Violence in the Sahel region of West Africa, fueled by a prolonged conflict with Islamist groups associated with al Qaeda and Islamic State, has intensified following the military takeovers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
In 2023, Burkina Faso experienced a surge in deadly attacks, resulting in over 8,000 reported casualties, according to the U.S.-based crisis-monitoring group ACLED.