OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso remains tense following the military government’s announcement last week that it had thwarted a significant plot to overthrow junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Security measures have been visibly increased in the capital, Ouagadougou, particularly around government buildings and military installations.
The government, led by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, stated on April 21st that it uncovered the plot, allegedly planned for April 16th, by intercepting communications between a high-ranking military officer and terrorist leaders. Officials claimed the objective was to “sow total chaos” and potentially place the country under international supervision.
Several military officers have reportedly been arrested in connection with the coup attempt, and at least one, Captain René David Ouédraogo, is said to be on the run. The government has also alleged that masterminds behind the plot are based in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire, a claim adding to existing regional tensions.
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In the week following the announcement of the foiled coup attempt, signs of unease within the armed forces have emerged, including a cancelled meeting of army officers. The government has called for public demonstrations on April 30th to show support for the regime and condemn alleged “Western interference”.
Concurrently, human rights groups have raised concerns about a deepening crackdown on dissent. Authorities recently published a list of wanted individuals that includes prominent exiled journalists and activists critical of the junta, accusing them of “criminal association in relation to a terrorist enterprise”.
These developments occur amidst a persistent insurgency affecting Burkina Faso and its neighbours, Mali and Niger, who have formed the Alliance of Sahel States and sought security assistance from Russia after expelling French forces.
