Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso’s military leader is set to remain in power for an additional five years following the signing of a new charter after national consultations held on Saturday, May 25. The talks, which took place in the capital city of Ouagadougou, involved civil society members, security forces, and transitional lawmakers. However, most political parties chose not to participate.
“The duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months from July 2, 2024,” announced Col. Moussa Diallo, chairman of the organizing committee of the national dialogue process, in a speech concluding the talks.
Burkina Faso joins a growing list of West African nations where military leaders have seized power, citing the elected governments’ failures to meet their commitments. The current junta took control in September 2022 by overthrowing Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba’s military regime, which had itself ousted democratically elected President Roch Marc Kaboré just eight months earlier.
The transitional government has been operating under a constitution approved by a national assembly comprising army officers, civil society groups, and traditional and religious leaders. Initially, the junta had pledged to hold elections and return to democratic governance by July 2024.
Capt. Ibrahim Traore, the transitional president, has faced significant challenges in addressing Burkina Faso’s severe security issues—the very reason the junta cited for taking power in September 2022. Currently, nearly half of the country’s territory remains outside government control due to ongoing violence.
Burkina Faso has been plagued by escalating attacks from Islamist extremists affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. This violence has resulted in thousands of deaths, displaced over two million people, and driven tens of thousands to the brink of starvation.
In a bid to address these security issues, the junta has severed military ties with former colonial power France, turning instead to Russia for support. This move reflects growing frustration with the lack of progress despite years of Western military assistance.
Under the new charter, Traore will be eligible to run in the elections at the end of the five-year transition period. The charter also leaves open the possibility of holding elections before the end of this period, depending on the situation.
This development comes amid similar moves in the region, with Mali also recommending an extension of junta rule following national dialogues. The situation in Burkina Faso continues to evolve, as the junta seeks to stabilize the country and address its pressing security concerns.
