The situation in Burkina Faso remains tense one week after authorities announced they had thwarted a coup attempt against junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Local media report growing unease within the armed forces, with a scheduled meeting of senior army officers on April 22 at the general staff headquarters postponed and ultimately cancelled after officers failed to attend. At the same time, crowds, including military personnel and families of missing civilians, were seen gathering at the Mogho Naaba palace, a traditional seat of authority in Ouagadougou.
Security across the capital has tightened significantly. Helicopters and sniffer dogs were deployed around the presidential palace during a cabinet meeting on April 24, while military camps, such as General Baba Sy camp, saw increased surveillance and patrols.
The government has called for pro-regime demonstrations on April 30, urging citizens to denounce what it describes as “Western interference,” following allegations by U.S. General Michael Langley that Burkina Faso was diverting gold reserves to fund security operations.
Authorities claim they intercepted communications revealing a plot involving senior military officers and terrorist groups. Captain René David Ouédraogo, identified as a key figure in the conspiracy, remains at large. The government asserts the aim of the plot was to destabilise the country and invite international intervention.
Burkina Faso, like neighbouring Mali and Niger, has endured years of jihadist violence. After recent military takeovers, all three nations expelled French forces and sought support from Russian mercenary groups. They have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States.
Despite these efforts, analysts say the security situation has deteriorated, with an increase in both insurgent attacks and human rights abuses attributed to state forces.
The fragile state of affairs underscores ongoing instability in the Sahel, as Burkina Faso’s government struggles to maintain control amid deepening internal divisions.
