[ "Democracy 'kills' and the people of Burkina Faso must 'forget' it, the country’s military ruler has said in an interview aired on state television.", "Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a coup three years ago, suggested most Africans do not want the system of democracy and that Burkina Faso had its own, alternative approach, without giving details.", "Traoré initially pledged to restore democratic rule to the West African country by July 2024, but two months before this deadline, the junta announced it would extend its rule for another five years.", "In January, the authorities announced a ban on all political parties as part of a plan to 'rebuild the state'.", "In Thursday night's interview, Traoré stated: 'People need to forget about the issue of democracy. Democracy is not for us.'", "He cited Libya as an example of failed democracy, referencing how the country was ruled autocratically for decades under Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who was ultimately killed during an uprising supported by Western intervention.", "Traoré claimed that wherever Western powers attempt to establish democracy, it is often accompanied by violence.", "Despite the prevalence of military coups in recent years, many African countries continue to hold elections.", "Traoré criticized political parties as 'divisive' and suggested that Burkina Faso would adopt a system focused on sovereignty and revolutionary mobilization.", "He emphasized the importance of economic and military self-reliance, criticizing the notion of working shorter hours as insufficient for national development.", "His administration has been accused of suppressing dissent and has faced serious allegations regarding human rights violations amidst ongoing violence and insurgency in the region." ]