Burkina Faso’s military junta announced on Wednesday that they had successfully thwarted a coup attempt the previous day, crediting the efforts of security and intelligence services. However, specific details about the incident were not provided.
In their statement, the junta revealed that certain officers and individuals had conspired to destabilize the country through a coup, aiming to attack the republic’s institutions and push the nation into chaos.
Although no names were disclosed, the junta confirmed that arrests had been made, and efforts were ongoing to locate others involved. They emphasized that investigations would expose the masterminds behind this destabilizing plot.
The military prosecutor later reported that four individuals had been detained, while two were currently evading capture. The investigation was initiated based on credible allegations concerning a plot against state security involving officers.
In a related move, the junta suspended the French news magazine, Jeune Afrique, on Monday for publishing articles they deemed “untruthful” regarding tension and discontent within Burkina Faso’s armed forces.
The following day, a significant number of pro-junta demonstrators gathered in the capital, Ouagadougou, and other locations to express their support. These demonstrations were sparked by rumors suggesting a potential mutiny against the authorities.
The junta assumed power following two military coups last year, partly triggered by a deteriorating insurgency led by armed groups affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State. This insurgency has caused significant instability in Burkina Faso and neighboring countries in West Africa’s Sahel region
