A week after an attempted coup in Burkina Faso, the situation remains tense in Ouagadougou, particularly among the armed forces.
Local media report that a meeting scheduled for April 22 at the headquarters of the general staff—expected to include several army officers—was first postponed and later cancelled after the invited officers failed to appear.
According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), a large number of people were seen gathering at the Mogho Naaba Palace, the seat of traditional authority in Burkina Faso. Among them were army personnel and families of missing civilians, further highlighting the growing tension in the West African country.
A cabinet meeting was also held on April 24 at the presidential palace under tight security. Sniffer dogs and helicopters were deployed in the area during the meeting.
Some military camps were placed under high alert. Military vehicles were stationed at the entrance of the General Baba Sy military camp in the southern part of the capital.
The government of Captain Ibrahim Traoré has called for mass demonstrations on April 30 in support of the regime. The main objective is to condemn what the government calls “Western interference,” particularly following accusations by U.S. General Michael Langley that Burkina Faso’s gold reserves were being diverted to fund its security apparatus.
On April 22, Burkina Faso’s military government announced it had foiled a “major plot” to overthrow the junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Authorities say they discovered the plot after intercepting communications between a high-ranking Burkinabé military officer and terrorist leaders.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated on national television that the conspirators included current and former soldiers, along with terrorist collaborators. He identified Captain René David Ouédraogo as one of the soldiers involved in the plan. Ouédraogo is currently on the run.
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