Burkina Faso extends military rule by five years

Burkina Faso has announced the extension of its military rule by another five years, following an accord adopted during national consultations on Saturday.

This decision ensures that the 36-year-old Interim President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, will continue in his role and will be eligible to run in the 2029 elections.

The announcement has sparked significant backlash from the country’s political parties, many of whom have vehemently rejected the extension. The army has been in control of Burkina Faso since 2022, following two coups justified by the coup leaders as necessary due to persistent insecurity in the nation.

Since seizing power, the military government has expelled French troops and diplomats, shifting its military alliances towards Russia for assistance. This strategic pivot marks a significant departure from Burkina Faso’s previous international alignments.

As the nation grapples with this extended period of military rule, the political landscape remains fraught with tension and uncertainty about the future direction of Burkina Faso’s governance.