Burkina Faso marks four years of military rule amid security and governance concerns

Burkina Faso has marked four years since Captain Ibrahim Traoré came to power in a coup, with people gathering at Place de la Révolution in Ougadougou on Wednesday night for an anniversary event.

The gathering paid tribute to the country’s armed forces and highlighted achievements claimed by the military government. It also provided a forum for discussing the security and governance difficulties that continue to affect the country.

Security remains central concern

Burkina Faso remains under pressure from jihadist groups, with large parts of the country affected by violence and some towns facing blockades.

Abdoul Rasmané Sawadogo said the military leaders had created an “ultra-modern army that meets expectations”. Referring to the fight against terrorism, he said authorities had established numerous Rapid Intervention Battalions and reorganised the army.

The reported military changes were presented alongside development efforts in security, health, education, agriculture, industry and road infrastructure. The source report did not independently verify the government’s reported achievements.

Development and governance record

Issouf Ouédraogo said, “Work is being done on the ground,” pointing to what he described as significant changes across Burkina Faso.

“The proof is that when you travel throughout Burkina, you can see a radical change, whether in terms of morale or infrastructure, and many other things besides,” Ouédraogo said.

He also said the authorities were working to instil among Burkinabe people “a sense of sovereignty … a sense of relying on ourselves”.

However, Ouédraogo said the record remained mixed in areas including corruption, freedom of expression and human rights. He called for greater equality before the law, saying: “For me, this means really working to ensure that all people in Burkina Faso can enjoy greater equality before the law.”

Displacement and regional cooperation

The government says more than 1.3 million internally displaced people have returned to their home towns. That figure is a government claim and was not independently verified in the source report.

Ouédraogo said the number of returnees needed to increase in collaboration with Mali and Niger. The three countries together form the Alliance of Sahel States.

The anniversary comes as Burkina Faso’s military government continues to promote its security and development record while facing persistent violence and debate over rights, accountability and governance.