Burkina Faso’s transitional government announced that it successfully foiled an attempted coup d’état on September 26, 2023. This incident comes almost a year after Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power in a military coup. The government disclosed the news via a statement broadcast on national television, informing the public that the coup attempt had been thwarted by Burkina Faso’s intelligence and security services.
The government further revealed that the alleged masterminds and participants involved in the destabilization attempt had been apprehended, with others being actively pursued. The transitional government expressed its dismay at the dark intentions of the perpetrators, who sought to attack the country’s institutions and create chaos. Thousands of supporters rallying behind Captain Traoré heeded the call to defend him and took to the streets of the capital, Ouagadougou, in response to rumours of the coup circulating on social media.
In an effort to shed light on the plot, the transitional government acknowledged the misplaced loyalty of certain officers who had deviated from their duty to defend the nation. They condemned the attempt, which aimed to hinder Burkina Faso’s progress towards sovereignty and liberation from terrorist groups seeking to enslave the population.
This latest reported coup comes precisely one year after Captain Traoré seized power in September 2022, marking the second coup in eight months for the country. Burkina Faso has been grappling with relentless jihadist violence for almost a decade, particularly in the “three borders” region it shares with Niger and Mali. These two neighbouring countries have also experienced military takeovers in recent years.
Earlier this month, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali signed a charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), an alliance focused on collective defence and mutual assistance. The formation of this alliance aims to combat the surge in violence and instability caused by jihadist groups operating in the Sahel region.
Burkina Faso has been severely affected by the activities of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Since 2015, the violence has resulted in over 17,000 deaths and the displacement of more than two million people. Despite the government’s efforts to reclaim areas previously occupied by these extremist groups, attacks attributed to jihadists affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State persist throughout the country.
Last week, the Burkina Faso government announced that approximately 191,937 internally displaced persons had returned to their homes in various regions by August 31. This is seen as a positive step in reclaiming areas previously under jihadist control. However, it is evident that more work needs to be done to ensure the long-term stability and security of Burkina Faso.
The international community continues to closely monitor the situation in Burkina Faso, providing support and assistance to combat terrorism and help restore peace. However, the recent attempted coup serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the country. The transitional government is determined to maintain stability and progress, while also addressing the root causes of the violence that continues to plague Burkina Faso.
As Burkina Faso works towards consolidating its democratic institutions and combating jihadist groups, the international community stands ready to offer assistance and support in the pursuit of lasting peace and prosperity for the country and its people.
