Thousands rallied in Burkina Faso’s capital in support of the military junta following a thwarted coup attempt. The protests were ignited by U.S. criticism of junta leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore. Despite popular backing, the junta faces substantial security challenges, including vast areas under insurgent control and allegations of human rights abuses.
Thousands marched in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, on Wednesday to express their support for the military junta amidst reports of a thwarted coup attempt. The unrest comes after an American military official, Gen. Michael Langley, criticized junta leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore during a U.S. Senate hearing, claiming the junta was misusing the country’s gold reserves, undermining the welfare of the populace.
The military government announced last week that it had thwarted a significant plot against Capt. Traore’s leadership, stating that the conspirators were operating out of neighboring Ivory Coast. Protesters gathered at the Place de la Revolution, chanting praises for Traore and exhibiting banners that depicted Gen. Langley’s image with derogatory markings. A notable display included some waving flags of both Burkina Faso and Russia, the latter seen as a strategic ally to Burkina Faso’s current regime.
Musician Ocibi Johann, present at the rally, expressed skepticism about U.S. intentions. He linked past U.S. interventions in foreign nations to adverse outcomes, asserting, “Because Colin Powell lied, Iraq was destroyed. Barack Obama lied, Gaddafi was killed. But this time, their lies won’t affect us…” Johann articulated a firm stance against perceived economic exploitation by foreign powers.
The U.S. had previously maintained military bases in Niger to combat regional terrorism but withdrew after Niger’s military government ended cooperation with Washington. This move reflects a broader trend, as both Burkina Faso and its regional neighbors—Mali and Niger—have severed ties with Western powers post-coup in favor of collaboration with Russia. Together, these nations established the Alliance of Sahel States in 2023 to enhance their security framework.
Since being appointed transitional president after a September 2022 coup, Capt. Traore has sought to address rampant insecurity plaguing Burkina Faso, which has been under threat from jihadist groups for over a decade. Although Traore has garnered significant support among youth for his potential to drive progress, the junta has faced intensifying security challenges.
Protestor Sekou Ansumariam Dukaly, who traveled from Liberia for the rally, highlighted Traore as a figure of hope for African unity and freedom. He stated, “He represents hope for Africa, hope for Black people, hope for all freedom fighters around the globe.”
However, the military government’s handling of security issues has been tumultuous, with over 60% of the territory reportedly outside governmental control. Millions of citizens have been displaced, and myriad individuals face dire humanitarian conditions. Additionally, human rights organizations have reported egregious abuses committed by the military during counterinsurgency operations, including extrajudicial killings of accused civilians.
The current regime has created a climate of oppression, as dissent faces severe consequences. Rights groups highlight a system of censorship that suppresses accurate reporting, making it difficult to grasp the true situation on the ground, where individuals risk abduction, imprisonment, or forced military conscription for speaking out against the junta.
In summary, sizable protests in Burkina Faso illustrate public support for the military junta after an alleged coup attempt. Capt. Ibrahim Traore’s regime has attracted attention but struggles with significant security challenges, human rights violations, and international scrutiny. The response from the populace indicates a complex relationship with both domestic governance and foreign influences, especially in the face of accusations from American officials.
Original Source: apnews.com
