Burkina Faso junta says it thwarted coup attempt

The military junta in Burkina Faso stated on Wednesday that they had successfully thwarted a coup attempt on the previous day. The security and intelligence services were responsible for preventing the attack, although no specific details were provided regarding the nature of the incident.

The junta’s statement disclosed that officers and other individuals had conspired to destabilize the country, aiming to attack its institutions and create chaos. However, the identities of those involved were not revealed. The authorities did mention that some arrests had been made, and efforts to locate other individuals were ongoing. The statement further emphasized that the investigations would help identify the instigators behind this plot.

According to the military prosecutor, four people have already been apprehended, while two others are still at large. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that they had initiated an investigation based on credible allegations that officers were involved in a conspiracy against state security.

Prior to this incident, the junta suspended the French news magazine Jeune Afrique for publishing articles deemed to be “untruthful.” These articles had reported on tensions and discontent within Burkina Faso’s armed forces. In response, thousands of pro-junta supporters held demonstrations in the capital city of Ouagadougou and other locations, rallying to express their backing. The demonstrations originated from rumors of an imminent mutiny against the authorities.

The current junta came to power following two military coups in the previous year, primarily triggered by the escalating insurgency led by militant groups affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State. The ongoing insurgency has brought instability not only to Burkina Faso but also to neighboring nations in the Sahel region of West Africa.

In early September, clashes with militants resulted in the deaths of more than 50 Burkinabe soldiers and volunteer fighters. This marked the deadliest incident in several months, highlighting the severity of the situation.

(Reporting by Reuters Newsroom; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Chris Reese and Grant McCool)