Escalating repression masks governance failures
Across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the military governments forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) are intensifying their grip through widespread repression, arbitrary arrests, and severe curtailment of fundamental freedoms. This escalating authoritarianism comes as these regimes grapple with deep-seated legitimacy crises, creating an increasingly challenging environment for human rights advocates and journalists.
As the situation unfolds, Alioune Tine, President of Afrikajom Center, observes a perilous trajectory for these military administrations. “The current reality reveals that Ibrahim Traoré’s regime, much like those in Mali and Niger, faces significant challenges,” Tine states. He highlights a critical “impasse” for the military leaders, noting that their primary justification for seizing power – the deteriorating security landscape – has not improved. In fact, security concerns have often worsened under their rule. Tine further remarks on the inherent vulnerability of those who gain power through force, often fearing its loss by similar means.
Reflecting on past assurances, Tine recalls Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s initial pledge to swiftly transition power back to civilian governance. However, these commitments, which included holding elections sooner than the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO) timeline, have been abandoned. Instead, Traoré’s administration has increasingly resorted to extreme repression to maintain control. Tine expresses profound concern over the deteriorating human rights situation, citing “a veritable massacre perpetrated against certain communities, particularly the Peuls,” describing it as “an extremely alarming state of affairs.”
Military regimes face a dire impasse
Despite official narratives, the security situation within Burkina Faso continues to worsen, marked by increasingly frequent and deadly assaults. A recent devastating incident occurred on June 11 in Mansila, where reports from various sources indicate approximately one hundred fatalities. This event, according to rumors circulating on social media and cited by the BBC, has severely impacted troop morale. The BBC further notes the extreme difficulty in accessing Mansila, with communication networks severed and travel only possible via military convoy, making contact with local stakeholders nearly impossible.
Amidst this volatile backdrop, an artillery shell landed within the premises of the public broadcaster, RTB, in Ouagadougou on June 12, reportedly causing several injuries. This incident, occurring during a period of silence from the junta leader, fueled widespread confusion and speculation, with some suggesting a military mutiny or even an attempted coup. Ibrahim Traoré subsequently broke his silence, appearing on RTB to address the nation. Describing the shelling as a mere “incident,” he urged Burkinabé citizens to disregard “enemy media” propagating “fake news.” Traoré vehemently denied any mutiny, rebellion, or coup attempt, dismissing such claims as “imaginary.” He challenged those alleging his absence from power, stating, “If the post is vacant, they only have to come and take it. They haven’t understood anything. These people have been paid to lie.”
Escalating military casualties and internal suspicions in Burkina Faso
The unfolding situation in the country has prompted strong reactions from international and regional human rights bodies. Both Amnesty International and the Coalition sénégalaise des défenseurs des droits humains are planning a peaceful demonstration to denounce the “repression of press freedom and freedom of opinion and expression.” They demand the immediate release of all detained human rights defenders, including lawyer Guy Hervé Ham, who has been held since January 24, and those forcibly conscripted into the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland.
The events in Burkina Faso mirror a wider trend across military-controlled nations in the region. Despite initial popular support and promises of salvation, these regimes have largely failed to outperform the civilian governments they overthrew. While some sources acknowledge limited progress in Mali’s northern regions, overall challenges persist, and the socio-economic situation continues to deteriorate. Alioune Tine emphasizes this broader failure: “There is a failure. As in Burkina Faso, these countries find themselves in an impasse. The people suffer not only from a lack of legitimacy in their leadership but also from the regimes’ inability to alleviate their hardships.” He points to Mali, where exiled opposition figures have even formed a government, underscoring the profound legitimacy crisis these military rulers face.
Alioune Tine: ‘CEDEAO is split between pro-Russian and pro-Western factions’
Confronted with mounting opposition and scrutiny, these military authorities increasingly employ a “strategy of terror.” Their tactics include arbitrary detentions, abductions of human rights advocates, and the closure of both domestic and international media outlets, all aimed at consolidating power. Alioune Tine characterizes these developments as the establishment of “total dictatorships.” He recounts alarming instances: “They even dare to abduct civil society figures. This is a true dictatorship. People are seized and sent to the front lines, including individuals as old as 70.” Driven by political expediency, these regimes have sought patronage from nations with questionable human rights records, such as Russia. Tine laments the consequences: “Unfortunately, the integration dynamics within CEDEAO have been fractured by allowing major powers to play their games. CEDEAO is now completely divided into what are perceived as pro-Western or pro-French factions and pro-Russian factions. This severely undermines inter-African cooperation, representing a catastrophe for the sub-region. I believe CEDEAO must critically re-evaluate its approach to better address the concerns of its people, especially the youth.”
Among these pressing concerns are the ongoing debate surrounding the CFA franc and the presence of foreign military bases. Tine expresses a specific regret regarding military bases: “The only thing I regret about the military bases is the lack of a viable alternative following the departure of French bases.”