The military junta in Burkina Faso revealed on Wednesday that it had successfully thwarted a coup attempt, which had been planned by individuals aiming to destabilize the country and attack its institutions. While specific details about the thwarted coup were not disclosed, the junta emphasized the seriousness of the plot.
In a statement, the junta stated that the coup plotters had “the dark intention of attacking the institutions of the Republic and plunging our country into chaos.” Although the statement did not name individuals involved, it confirmed that arrests had been made, and ongoing efforts were in place to locate other suspects. The junta emphasized that investigations were underway to uncover the masterminds behind the plot.
The military prosecutor later confirmed that four individuals had been detained, while two others remained at large. The prosecutor's office announced that it had initiated an investigation based on “credible allegations about a plot against state security implicating officers.”
This recent development follows the junta's suspension of the French news magazine Jeune Afrique for publishing articles deemed “untruthful” regarding tensions and discontent within Burkina Faso's armed forces. In response, thousands of pro-junta demonstrators took to the streets, showing their support and dispelling rumours of a potential mutiny against the authorities.
The military junta assumed power in Burkina Faso following two military coups last year. These coups were, in part, a response to a worsening insurgency by armed groups associated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State, which has severely destabilized Burkina Faso and neighbouring countries in the Sahel region. In early September, more than 50 Burkinabe soldiers and volunteer fighters lost their lives in clashes with militants, marking one of the deadliest incidents in months.
The situation remains fluid as investigations continue into the thwarted coup attempt and ongoing efforts to maintain stability in Burkina Faso.
Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Dennis Gyamfi
