President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, described the nation as undergoing a "popular, progressive revolution" rather than functioning under a democratic system. He further stated that it's hard to identify any country that has achieved development through democratic governance. Traoré made these remarks during a flag-raising ceremony at the Koulouba Palace last week. He said, “If we have to say it loud and clear here, we are not in a democracy, we are in a popular, progressive revolution. “We must necessarily go through a revolution, and we are indeed in a revolution. So this question of democracy or libertinism of action or expression has no place. As much as you think you are free to speak and act, the other is also free to speak and act, and there we end up with a society of disorder.” He criticised the notion that democracy is a prerequisite for development, saying it is “false” to believe any country has developed under a democratic system. “It is impossible to name a country that has developed in democracy. Democracy is only the result,” Burkina24 quoted him. He affirmed that his administration would persist in engaging the public, educating them, and fostering a clear understanding of the revolution. Since assuming leadership, Traoré has drawn attention for his bold and unconventional decisions as President of the West African nation. The 37-year-old, who came to power in September 2022 through a coup that removed interim President Paul-Henri Damiba, recently declined an offer from Saudi Arabia to construct 200 mosques in Burkina Faso. Instead, he called on the Gulf nation to channel its support towards vital infrastructure projects that would have a direct impact on the lives of his people.