Burkina Faso narrowly escaped a coup attempt on Tuesday, but was thwarted by the swift response of its security and intelligence services, as announced by the ruling junta on Wednesday, News About Nigeria reports
Although details of the matter remain shallow, arrests have been made in connection with the plot, and authorities have initiated a manhunt for other potential collaborators.
In a statement, the junta expressed that the coup plotters had intended to destabilize the country, posing a serious threat to its democratic institutions. “Investigations are underway to uncover the masterminds behind this coup attempt,” the statement read in part.
The recent incident follows the junta’s suspension of the French news magazine Jeune Afrique for publishing what it deemed “untruthful” articles reporting tension and discontent within Burkina Faso’s armed forces.
In response to the suspension, thousands of pro-junta demonstrators rallied in the capital city of Ouagadougou and other locations to express their support. The demonstration was propeled by rumors of a growing mutiny against the junta by external bodies.
The junta, which currently holds power in Burkina Faso, came to be after two military coups in the preceding year. These coups were partly triggered by the worsening insurgency led by armed groups affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
This insurgency has not only destabilized Burkina Faso but also affected neighbouring countries in West Africa’s Sahel region.
The worsening security situation has taken a heavy toll on Burkina Faso’s armed forces, as demonstrated by the recent loss of over 50 soldiers and volunteer fighters in clashes with militants in early September.
This marks one of the deadliest incidents the country has had in months, stressing the nature of the ongoing challenges faced by the country and the need to maintain stability and democratic governance.
