In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital, thousands congregated on Wednesday to show their support for the military junta following reports of an attempted coup and criticism from a U.S. official towards junta leader, Ibrahim Traore.
Just last week, the nation’s current military rulers said they had thwarted a “significant plan” to unseat junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore, with accusations pointing to conspirators allegedly based in the neighboring country, Ivory Coast.
This situation arises after Gen. Michael Langley, the U.S.’s top general for Africa, alleged during a Senate hearing that Traore was utilizing the country’s gold reserves to enrich the junta instead of benefiting the populace.
On Wednesday, supporters flooded the Place de la Révolution chanting supportive slogans like “Long live Captain Traore!” Many held signs with anti-U.S. sentiments, with a particularly controversial banner portraying Gen. Langley with “slave” scrawled on his forehead. Participants also waved flags of Burkina Faso and Russia, highlighting the latter as a significant ally.
Musician Ocibi Johann expressed his disbelief at Langley’s accusations. Drawing from historical international incidents, he remarked, “Past lies from Western leaders led to the ruin of nations, but this time they will not succeed. This is why we stand against economic exploitation,” reaffirming his stance against external interventions.
U.S. military presence in the region, notably, ended its establishment in Niger after the nation’s termination of military cooperation last year. This coordination was part of counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel, a terrain stretching south of the Sahara Desert.
Over the past decade, Burkina Faso along with Mali and Niger has faced an insurgency initiated by jihadi groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State. Recent military coups in these countries have strained ties with traditional Western allies such as the U.S. and France, turning instead towards Russian military support.
These developments culminated in the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States in 2023, a collective security pact between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Following the coup of September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traore assumed the role of transitional president of Burkina Faso, committing to secure prosperity for the nation. His leadership and promises have resonated positively among the youth both domestically and internationally.
One protester, Sekou Ansumariam Dukaly, traveled from Liberia to participate, stating, “Captain Traore symbolizes hope for Africa and liberation advocates worldwide.”
Despite this groundswell of support, the junta has encountered significant hurdles in tackling the country’s pressing security issues, the primary justification for its 2022 power seizure. An estimated 60% of Burkina Faso remains outside government control, displacing over 2.1 million citizens and leaving upwards of 6.5 million in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
However, human rights organizations have voiced concerns over abuses by the nation’s armed forces and militias, accusing them of unlawful civilian killings under counterinsurgency pretexts.
Information flow from Burkina Faso is heavily restricted, with rights groups citing an effective censorship system imposed by the military rulers. Those who dissent or speak against the regime risk abductions, imprisonment, or forced conscription into the army, emphasizing a challenging human rights landscape in the country.