Burkina Faso junta extends military rule for another five years

Burkina Faso’s junta leader Ibrahim Traore will remain in office for another five years, following an agreement in a national dialogue to extend military rule for five years.

Burkina Faso’s national dialogue chairman, Colonel Moussa Diallo, announced the decision on state television on Saturday.

“The duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months from 2 July 2024,” Mr Diallo said.

Mr Traore, 36, signed the national dialogue agreement, allowing him to contest the election in five years.

The military led by Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba took over power in Burkina Faso in January 2022.

Mr Traore became Burkina Faso’s president in a coup that ousted Mr Damiba from office in September 2022.

An extension of military rule in Burkina would see Mr Traore serve as military ruler for seven years, after which he could contest elections to remain in office if he wins.