Thousands rallied in Burkina Faso’s capital in support of the military junta, following an alleged coup attempt and criticism from a U.S. official. The military government claims to have thwarted a significant plot to overthrow leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore. Protesters voiced their support for Traore, despite ongoing security challenges and human rights abuses in the country.
In Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, thousands of supporters gathered Wednesday to rally behind the military junta. This came after reports of an alleged coup attempt and remarks from a U.S. official that took aim at junta leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore. The military government stated that it thwarted a significant plot to topple Traore, attributing this conspiracy to elements based in nearby Ivory Coast.
The tension escalated earlier this month when Gen. Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command, criticized Traore during a U.S. Senate hearing, claiming he misused the country’s gold reserves. Citizens demonstrated at the Place de la Revolution, yelling “Long live Captain Traore!” Many held banners defacing a picture of Langley, while others waved Burkina Faso and Russian flags — a sign of the junta’s shift towards Moscow for support.
Musician Ocibi Johann, among the protesters, expressed skepticism towards Langley’s claims, drawing historical parallels to past U.S. military actions. “These lies won’t affect us. We’re against economic slavery and predation,” he stated, reflecting a sense of solidarity among attendees.
The U.S. previously had military bases in Niger for counterterrorism operations but withdrawn last year following the end of a military agreement as coups reshaped the region’s power dynamics. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have faced a decade-long jihadi-led insurgency, which has led the ruling juntas to distance themselves from Western allies, looking instead to Russia for military assistance.
Since Capt. Traore came into power after a coup in September 2022, he has positioned himself as a beacon of hope, especially for youth in Burkina Faso. Sekou Ansumariam Dukaly, a protester who traveled from Liberia to show support, emphasized Traore’s significance for Africa’s future, stating, “He represents hope for Black people and all freedom fighters around the globe.”
Despite the support, the junta grapples with ongoing security issues, having struggled to control over 60% of Burkina Faso. There are now reports of more than 2.1 million displaced citizens, and around 6.5 million needing humanitarian aid. Critics highlight that numerous abuses have occurred during counterinsurgency operations, with allegations of unlawful killings by armed forces and militias against civilians suspected of aiding Islamist militants.
Reports indicate that it’s difficult to obtain an accurate understanding of the humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso, given the military’s imposed censorship. Human rights organizations assert that dissenters can face abduction, imprisonment, or forced enlistment into the military.
The situation remains fluid as the junta tries to maintain control amidst popular support and significant domestic challenges, complicating Burkina Faso’s already precarious state.
The rally in support of Burkina Faso’s military junta underscores the complex dynamics of political power in the region. While Capt. Ibrahim Traore has garnered significant support from the populace, the junta battles grave security issues and allegations of human rights abuses. The future remains uncertain as Burkina Faso navigates its relationships with Western powers and shifts towards Russia for military ties, all while addressing a growing humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: apnews.com
