On September 27th, Burkina Faso’s military junta made a significant announcement regarding the thwarting of a coup attempt that transpired the day prior. While specific details remained undisclosed, the military government stated that officers and other individuals had hatched a plot with the sinister aim of destabilizing the nation, targeting its vital institutions, and plunging it into chaos.
Although the identities of those involved were not disclosed, the military reported that several arrests had been executed, and searches were ongoing to locate others implicated in the conspiracy. The junta emphasized the importance of conducting thorough investigations to unveil the masterminds behind this plot.
Concurrently, the military prosecutor confirmed that four individuals had been apprehended, while two remained at large. An official statement outlined that an investigation had been initiated on Wednesday, based on credible allegations that implicated officers in a plot against the state’s security.
In a related development, the junta took action on Monday by suspending the French news magazine Jeune Afrique. The magazine had published articles that were characterized as “untruthful,” particularly those that reported on tension and discontent within Burkina Faso’s armed forces.
The subsequent day, a show of support for the junta materialized as thousands of pro-junta demonstrators assembled in the capital, Ouagadougou, and other locations. These demonstrations were partly prompted by rumors circulating about a potential mutiny against the current authorities.
The junta’s ascent to power was triggered by two military coups that occurred last year. These coups were driven, in part, by the deteriorating security situation exacerbated by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The insurgencies have not only destabilized Burkina Faso but have also had ramifications for neighboring countries in West Africa’s Sahel region.
Tragically, the ongoing conflict has exacted a heavy toll on Burkinabe soldiers and volunteer fighters. In early September, over 50 of them lost their lives in clashes with militants, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent months.