Burkina Faso’s Military Rulers Say Coup Attempt Prevented, Plotters Arrested

In a dramatic turn of events, Burkina Faso’s intelligence and security services successfully prevented a coup attempt aimed at overthrowing the current military government. The announcement came on Wednesday, revealing that army officers and other individuals had planned to seize power and plunge the nation into chaos.

Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, a spokesman for the ruling military, disclosed that several suspects involved in the destabilization attempt had been arrested, while others are actively being pursued. The precise details of the coup attempt, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, were not provided.

The military government expressed its commitment to a thorough investigation, emphasizing its regret that officers sworn to protect the nation were implicated in the plot. “We will shed all possible light on this plot,” the government stated, underscoring their determination to uphold national security.

According to the military prosecutor, four individuals have been detained, with two more suspects still at large. An investigation is underway, based on credible allegations of a conspiracy against state security involving military officers.

This incident follows the earlier arrest of three soldiers in connection with a plot against the ruling government led by Captain Ibrahim Traore. Captain Traore assumed power in September 2022 after a coup ousted the democratically elected President Roch Marc Kabore, who himself had been overthrown in a military coup just eight months prior.

Burkina Faso continues to face significant challenges, including political instability and threats from extremist groups, necessitating a vigilant approach to national security.