Tensions mount in Burkina Faso a week after the coup attempt
2 min read
"Captain Ibrahim Traoré: Burkina Faso's Interim President since October 2022, leading the nation through a period of military governance and regional realignment."
One week after an attempted coup in Burkina Faso, tensions remain high in the capital, Ouagadougou—particularly among the country’s armed forces.
According to local media reports, a critical meeting scheduled for April 22 at the army’s general staff headquarters was first postponed and then ultimately cancelled after several invited military officers failed to attend.
Adding to the growing unease, Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported that crowds, including military personnel and families of missing civilians, gathered at the Mogho Naaba palace, the seat of traditional authority in Burkina Faso. The presence of both civilians and army figures points to deepening concerns within the nation.
Meanwhile, a cabinet meeting held on April 24 at the presidential palace was conducted under tight security. Military helicopters patrolled the air, and sniffer dogs were deployed across the area. Several military camps across the capital were also placed under increased surveillance. Notably, armored vehicles were spotted at the entrance of General Baba Sy military camp in southern Ouagadougou.
In response to recent developments, the transitional government led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré has called for mass public demonstrations on April 30 in a show of support for the regime. The protests are also aimed at denouncing what officials have labeled “Western interference”—a reference to recent allegations by U.S. General Michael Langley, who claimed Burkina Faso was diverting its gold reserves to fund internal security operations.
On April 22, authorities announced they had thwarted a significant coup plot intended to overthrow the military-led government. Officials say the plot was uncovered after communications between a senior Burkinabé officer and terrorist leaders were intercepted.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed on national television that the group behind the plan included both active and former soldiers, in addition to members of terrorist networks. Among the accused is Captain René David Ouédraogo, who is currently at large.
According to Sana, the conspirators planned to storm the presidential palace on April 16 in a bid to “create chaos and place the country under international control.”
Burkina Faso has been grappling with a deadly insurgency for over a decade, led by extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. Following successive military coups, Burkina Faso, along with neighboring Mali and Niger, has expelled French troops and sought security cooperation from Russian mercenaries.
The three Sahel nations recently established the Alliance of Sahel States, a joint military pact aimed at combating terrorism and enhancing regional security. However, analysts warn that insecurity in the Sahel has worsened since the military takeovers, with a surge in deadly attacks and civilian casualties caused by both insurgents and government forces.
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