Burkina Faso Army Thwarts Coup Attempt, Pursues Suspects

By Caroline Ameh

The military government of Burkina Faso revealed on Wednesday that it successfully foiled a coup attempt and is actively pursuing individuals believed to be involved in the conspiracy.

According to a statement from the junta spokesman, the plot, orchestrated by army officers and others, aimed to seize power and plunge the nation into chaos. While specific details regarding the thwarted coup were not disclosed, the government announced that arrests had been made, and a hunt for other suspects was underway.

The coup attempt unfolded on Tuesday, as per official reports.

The military government expressed its commitment to fully investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. The spokesman lamented the involvement of officers who had sworn to defend their homeland but had instead engaged in such destabilizing actions.

Burkina Faso’s military prosecutor disclosed that four individuals had been arrested, with two others currently evading capture. An investigation has been initiated based on credible allegations of a plot against state security involving military officers.

This development follows the recent arrest and charges against three soldiers earlier this month for their alleged involvement in plotting against the ruling military government led by Captain Ibrahim Traore. Captain Traore assumed power in September 2022, following an earlier military coup that toppled the democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore.

Despite the tension, Burkina Faso’s capital city, Ouagadougou, appeared relatively calm on Wednesday evening after the military’s announcement regarding the thwarted coup attempt. The government remains focused on ensuring stability and the rule of law in the nation.