Burkina Faso's Military Junta Extends Rule for Five Years Amid Security Concerns

Burkina Faso's military junta, led by Acting President Ibrahim Traore, has extended its rule for five years until 2029. This decision follows national consultations held on Saturday and was announced by Colonel Moussa Diallo, chairman of the organizing committee of the national dialogue process.

Why this matters: The extension of military rule in Burkina Faso has significant implications for the country's democratic future and stability in the region. This decision could lead to further political unrest and hinder efforts to address the country's security concerns and transition back to civilian rule.

The transition period will last for 60 months, starting from July 2, 2024. During this time, Acting President Traore will be allowed to run in future elections at the end of the transition period. The national dialogue aimed to chart a way back to civilian rule for the West African nation, which has been beset by jihadist violence since 2015.

Burkina Faso has been under military rule since 2022, following two coups justified by the country's persistent insecurity. Jihadist rebels affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have waged a grinding insurgency since 2015, killing thousands and displacing millions.

The new charter agreed upon on Saturday no longer uses quotas to assign members of traditional parties seats in the assembly, opting instead for 'patriotism' as the sole criterion for selecting deputies. The initial charter had set the duration of the transition to civilian rule at 21 months, but Traore had warned that holding elections would be difficult given the perilous security situation.

Civil society representatives, security and defense forces, and lawmakers in the transitional assembly participated in the talks, while most political parties boycotted the event. 'The duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months from July 2, 2024,' said Colonel Moussa Diallo, emphasizing the need for a stable transition.

The national dialogue, initially planned for two days, aimed to chart a way back to civilian rule for the West African nation. 'You have just rewritten a new page in the history of our country,' said Minister of Territorial Affairs, Emile Zerbo.

Burkina Faso has been plagued by jihadist violence since 2015, with thousands killed and millions displaced. The army has governed the country since 2022, carrying out two coups citing security concerns.

The extension of the military regime's rule has raised concerns about the country's democratic future. The national dialogue process aimed to find a way back to civilian rule, but the extension has further complicated the political landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Burkina Faso's military junta extends rule for 5 years until 2029.
• Acting President Traore can run in future elections at end of transition period.
• Transition period will last 60 months, starting from July 2, 2024.
• New charter selects deputies based on "patriotism", not party quotas.
• Extension raises concerns about democratic future and stability in region.