Repression as a mask for failure
Across the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), military regimes are increasingly resorting to widespread repression, including arbitrary detentions and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms. These governments, grappling with profound legitimacy crises, are making the environment extremely challenging for human rights advocates and media organizations.
The adage, ‘those who live by the sword shall perish by the sword,’ resonates with Alioune Tine, president of Afrikajom Center, as he reflects on the current situation. Tine observes that the regimes led by Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso, as well as those in Mali and Niger, face significant difficulties. Their primary justification for seizing power was the deteriorating security landscape. However, the security situation has often worsened since their ascent, becoming even more precarious than before. He highlights the inherent fear of losing power through force when it was initially gained that way.
Recalling earlier commitments, Mr. Tine points out Ibrahim Traoré’s initial pledge to swiftly return power to civilian hands. Yet, today, not only are there no plans for elections to allow Burkinabé citizens to choose their leaders, but the regime is increasingly employing repressive measures to maintain control. Tine recalls, “When he first took power, the captain stated that the ECOWAS deadline was too long and that they would quickly organize elections to return power to civilians.” These promises have remained unfulfilled, and the human rights situation continues to deteriorate. He expresses grave concern over what he describes as massacres against certain communities, particularly the Peuls, deeming it an “extremely worrying situation.”
“Military regimes face an impasse”
Contrary to official narratives, the country’s security situation is worsening, with attacks becoming more frequent and increasing the already heavy death toll. One recent incident, the Mansila attack on June 11, reportedly resulted in approximately one hundred fatalities, according to various sources. The BBC noted on its website that this event “is rumored to have significantly impacted troop morale” and added, “Without a military convoy, it’s impossible to reach the town where communication networks are down. Indeed, it is practically impossible to communicate with local actors.”
Amidst this context and the junta leader’s silence, an artillery shell landed in the courtyard of the public broadcaster RTB on June 12, causing several injuries. This incident sparked confusion in Ouagadougou, with some speculating about mutiny within military barracks or even an attempted coup. Ibrahim Traoré eventually broke his silence to reassure the public. On the sidelines of the weekly Council of Ministers meeting, which was originally scheduled for the previous day, he visited the RTB station. Describing the shell incident as a mere “incident,” he urged Burkinabé citizens to disregard “enemy media” attempting to spread “fake news.” He vehemently denied any mutiny, revolt, or coup d’état, dismissing such claims as “imaginary.” To those who suggested his position was vacant, he retorted, “If the post is vacant, they just have to come and take it. They haven’t understood anything. These people have been paid to lie.”
Over one hundred soldiers killed in Burkina, raising suspicions within the ranks
The prevailing situation in Burkina Faso has prompted a strong response from Amnesty International and the Coalition sénégalaise des défenseurs des droits humains. Both organizations are planning a peaceful demonstration to protest the “repression of press freedom and freedom of opinion and expression” in the country. They demand the “release of incarcerated human rights defenders or those forcibly enlisted into the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland,” specifically mentioning lawyer Guy Hervé Ham, who has been detained since January 24.
The events unfolding in Burkina Faso largely reflect the broader circumstances in countries under military governance. Initially welcomed as saviors, these military leaders have largely failed to outperform the elected officials they overthrew, with very few exceptions.
In Mali, despite some reported progress in controlling the northern regions, fundamental issues persist. The socio-economic situation, in particular, continues to deteriorate. Alioune Tine comments, “There is a failure. As in Burkina Faso, all these countries find themselves in a kind of impasse. People are suffering not only from a lack of legitimacy, but the authorities are also failing to alleviate the hardships of the populations. In Mali, exiled opposition figures have even formed a government. There is a genuine problem of legitimacy at play.”
Alioune Tine: “ECOWAS is divided between pro-Russian and pro-Western factions.”
Faced with mounting challenges to their authority, military regimes are increasingly employing tactics of terror. Through arbitrary detentions, abductions of human rights defenders, and the closure of both national and international media outlets, these juntas are escalating abuses to cling to power. Alioune Tine views this as the emergence of “total dictatorships.” He laments, “They even dare to abduct civil society figures. This is a true dictatorship. They’ve abducted people, some as old as 70, and sent them to the front lines.” Driven by political opportunism, these regimes have sought refuge under the protective wing of nations like Russia, which show little regard for human rights. Alioune Tine expresses his regret: “Unfortunately, the dynamics of integration within ECOWAS have been undermined by allowing the major powers to play their game. ECOWAS is completely divided between what are perceived as pro-Western or pro-French factions and pro-Russian factions. This harms inter-African cooperation. It’s a catastrophe for the sub-region. I believe ECOWAS 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 foreign military bases. “My only regret regarding military bases is the lack of viable alternatives following the departure of French bases.”
