Repression to mask failure
Widespread crackdowns, arbitrary arrests, detentions, and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms characterize the current climate in the AES military regimes. These governments grapple with profound legitimacy crises, making the environment increasingly challenging for human rights advocates and media outlets.
Those who seize power by force often face the specter of losing it in the same manner. Alioune Tine, President of Afrikajom Center, recently commented on the escalating situation, echoing this sentiment. He observes that the government led by Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso, much like the military administrations in Mali and Niger, is facing significant challenges. The primary justification these regimes offered for their coups was the deteriorating security landscape. However, the current security situation is alarmingly precarious, often worse than before their ascent to power. This creates a perpetual fear of being overthrown by similar means.
Mr. Tine also recalled Captain Traoré’s initial promise to swiftly return power to civilian rule, a commitment made early in his tenure. Today, not only has this pledge gone unfulfilled, with no elections planned for Burkinabé citizens to choose their leaders, but the regime is increasingly resorting to repressive measures to maintain control. The human rights situation has drastically worsened, with reports of atrocities against certain communities, notably the Peuls. This trend is deeply troubling, emphasized the human rights defender.
“Military regimes are stuck in an impasse”
Contrary to official propaganda, the country’s situation continues to deteriorate, marked by increasingly frequent attacks that contribute to an already heavy death toll. A recent attack in Mansila on June 11 reportedly claimed around a hundred lives, according to multiple sources. This incident is rumored to have significantly impacted troop morale, as noted by the BBC, which also highlighted the difficulty of accessing the town due to cut communication networks and the necessity of military convoys for travel.
Against this backdrop, and amidst the junta leader’s prolonged silence, a shell landed in the courtyard of the public broadcasting station on June 12, causing several injuries. This incident sparked confusion in Ouagadougou, with some speculating about mutinies within military barracks or even an attempted coup. Yesterday, Ibrahim Traoré broke his silence to calm the situation and reassure the populace. Following a weekly cabinet meeting, which was scheduled for the previous day, he visited the public television station RTB. He dismissed the shell incident as minor, urging Burkinabé citizens to disregard what he termed “enemy media” spreading “fake news.” He vehemently denied any mutiny, revolt, or coup attempt, calling such claims “imaginary.” To those who suggested he had abandoned his post, he retorted, “If the position is vacant, they should come and take it. They haven’t understood anything. These people have been paid to lie.”
A hundred soldiers killed in Burkina, widespread suspicion within the ranks
The prevailing conditions in Burkina Faso have drawn significant concern from organizations such as Amnesty International and the Coalition sénégalaise des défenseurs des droits humains. Both groups are planning a peaceful demonstration to protest the “repression of press freedom and freedom of opinion and expression” in the nation. They are demanding the immediate release of human rights defenders who have been incarcerated or forcibly conscripted into the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland, including lawyer Guy Hervé Ham, who has been detained since January 24.
The situation unfolding in Burkina Faso reflects a broader trend across military-dominated countries in the region. Initially welcomed as saviors, these military leaders have largely failed to improve conditions beyond those under the civilian governments they overthrew, with only a few exceptions.
In Mali, despite some reported progress in controlling the northern part of the country, fundamental problems persist. Socio-economic conditions, in particular, continue to worsen. Alioune Tine states, “There is a failure. As in Burkina Faso, all these countries are in a kind of impasse. The people not only suffer from a lack of legitimacy but also from the authorities’ inability to alleviate their suffering. In Mali, exiled opposition figures have even formed a government. There is a real problem of legitimacy at play.”
Alioune Tine: “CEDEAO is divided between pro-Russian and pro-Western factions.”
Faced with mounting opposition, these military regimes are increasingly employing tactics of terror. Through arbitrary detentions, abductions of human rights defenders, and the closure of domestic and international media, the juntas are escalating abuses to cling to power. Alioune Tine warns that these are evolving into “total dictatorships.” He adds, “They even dare to abduct civil society figures. This is a true dictatorship. People are taken and sent to the front lines. Even 70-year-olds are abducted and forced to the front.” Driven by political opportunism, these regimes have sought protection under the wing of nations less concerned with human rights, such as Russia. Alioune Tine laments, “Unfortunately, the dynamics of integration within CEDEAO have been shattered by playing into the hands of major powers. CEDEAO is now deeply divided between what are perceived as pro-Western or pro-French factions and pro-Russian ones. This undermines inter-African cooperation and is a catastrophe for the sub-region. I believe CEDEAO must also re-evaluate its approach to better address the concerns of its people, especially the youth.”
Among these pressing concerns are the issues of the CFA franc and military bases. “My only regret regarding military bases is the lack of viable alternatives following the departure of French bases.”