Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso’s military junta has solidified its grip on power, signing a new charter that extends its rule for an additional five years. This move comes despite a boycott by major political parties and raises concerns about the country’s return to democratic rule.
The charter, adopted after national consultations on Saturday, allows junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore to remain in office until July 2029. The consultations included representatives from civil society, security forces, and a transitional assembly, but most political parties refused to participate.
This extension marks a significant delay from the junta’s initial promise. When seizing power in September 2022, they pledged to hold elections and restore civilian rule by July 2024. However, the junta cites ongoing security challenges as justification for the extended transition period.
Burkina Faso, like several other West African nations, has been plagued by extremist violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The country struggles to maintain control over nearly half its territory, with thousands killed and millions displaced by the ongoing conflict.
Frustrated by the perceived ineffectiveness of Western military aid, the junta severed ties with former colonial ruler France and sought support from Russia instead.
