Burkina Faso Extends Military Rule by Five Years

Burkina Faso's military government has announced that it will extend junta rule for an additional five years. This decision comes after the signing of a new charter following national consultations held in the capital city of Ouagadougou. In addition, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country's ruler, will also have the opportunity to participate in the next presidential election.

In a speech following the talks, Colonel Moussa Diallo, the chairman of the organizing committee of the national dialogue process, stated, "The transition will last for a fixed period of 60 months, starting from July 2, 2024."

The military authorities took control in a coup in 2022 and pledged to hold elections in July of this year to reinstate civilian rule. However, they also emphasized that security concerns would be prioritized.

Human rights organizations have accused Burkina Faso's junta leaders of committing abuses against civilians during their military campaigns against jihadists. They have also been accused of suppressing media and opposition figures. The junta has dismissed these allegations as "baseless."