It’s Been A Week After The Coup Attempt, How is Burkina Fase Doing?
A week after a thwarted coup in Burkina Faso, the atmosphere in Ouagadougou remains tense, especially within the military ranks. Local reports indicate that a key meeting scheduled for April 22 at the general staff headquarters was postponed and eventually cancelled due to non-attendance by several army officers. Radio France Internationale (RFI) observed increased activity at the Mogho Naaba palace, a traditional leadership site, with army personnel and families of missing civilians seen gathering, indicating growing unease in the West African nation.
High-security measures were evident during a cabinet meeting on April 24 at the presidential palace, with sniffer dogs and helicopters patrolling the vicinity. Additionally, military installations, such as the General Baba Sy military camp in the southern capital, were placed under strict supervision.
In response to the failed coup, the government of Captain Ibrahim Traoré has summoned citizens to a large demonstration on April 30, aimed at denouncing Western meddling. This call follows allegations by U.S. General Michael Langley of the misappropriation of gold reserves for national security.
On April 22, the military government announced it had thwarted a significant plan to unseat Captain Traoré. The plot was unearthed after intercepting communications between a senior Burkinabé military officer and terrorist leaders. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed that the conspirators included both current and former soldiers and identified Captain René David Ouédraogo as a key figure, who is now at large.
The failed coup sought to disrupt national stability and place Burkina Faso under international oversight. Despite the junta’s efforts, the security climate across the Sahel region, comprising Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, has deteriorated, with increased insurgent attacks and civilian casualties reported. Following recent coups, these nations have expelled French forces and allied with Russian mercenaries, forming the Alliance of Sahel States to bolster regional security amidst escalating violence.
Source: AfricaNews