Thousands gathered in Ouagadougou to support the military junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traore amid an alleged coup attempt and U.S. criticisms. The junta claims to have foiled a major plot against them. While many in Burkina Faso express hope for stability under Traore’s leadership, significant security challenges and human rights abuses loom large.
In Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, thousands of supporters rallied on Wednesday to back the military junta following an alleged coup attempt last week. The show of support came right after accusations from a senior U.S. military official directed at the junta’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, which have added fuel to the ongoing tensions in the region. The military government claims to have thwarted a significant plot to topple Traore, allegedly involving conspirators situated in neighboring Ivory Coast.
The protests erupted after General Michael Langley, who heads U.S. military operations in Africa, called out Traore in a Senate committee hearing. Langley asserted that Traore’s management of the nation’s gold reserves was benefiting the junta rather than the citizens of Burkina Faso. This remark may have struck a nerve among the populace, leading to the mobilization of thousands.
Protesters converged at the Place de la Revolution, vocally expressing their support for Traore with chants of “Long live Captain Traore!” Some demonstrators held banners that depicted Langley with the word “slave” scrawled across his forehead. Additionally, many waved flags from Burkina Faso and Russia, indicating the recent pivot in alliances by the junta towards Moscow, a close ally amid growing hostilities with the West.
Ocibi Johann, a musician who participated in the protest, expressed skepticism regarding Langley’s accusations. He stated, “Because Colin Powell lied, Iraq was destroyed. Barack Obama lied, Gaddafi was killed. But this time, their lies won’t affect us.” Johann emphasized that the protest is not against the U.S. itself but rather against what he termed economic predation and slavery.
For context, until last year, the United States maintained military bases in Niger as part of counterterrorism efforts. However, these were shut down after Niger’s military government ended its agreements with the U.S. The security landscape in the Sahel, particularly for Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, has been shaped by ongoing battles against Islamist groups closely linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Following military coups in all three neighboring nations, military leadership has severed ties with long-standing Western allies, such as the U.S. and France, instead seeking military assistance from Russia. In fact, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger fortified their cooperation by forming the Alliance of Sahel States last year.
Captain Ibrahim Traore, who assumed the role of transitional president in September 2022 after a coup, positioned himself as a guardian of stability and prosperity, particularly appealing to the youth of Burkina Faso. Sekou Ansumariam Dukaly, a protester who traveled from Liberia, articulated this sentiment by voicing that Traore symbolizes hope for Africans and for all advocates of freedom.
Nevertheless, the junta has faced significant challenges in restoring safety as promised. Current estimates indicate over 60% of Burkina Faso is outside government control, with more than 2.1 million displaced and around 6.5 million in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Reports from human rights organizations document a troubling pattern of abuses by the military and affiliated militias during their counterinsurgency actions, including unlawful killings of civilians.
Rights groups highlight the difficulty in accurately gauging conditions within Burkina Faso due to a pervasive censorship erected by the military authorities. Those who dare to voice dissent risk abduction, imprisonment, or forced conscription into the armed forces. As the situation continues to evolve, many question if the junta can fulfill its promises while managing the dire humanitarian and security crises.
The rally in support of Burkina Faso’s military junta indicates significant public backing for Captain Ibrahim Traore, especially in light of recent criticisms from U.S. military officials. Although Traore has captured the support of many citizens who view him as a beacon of hope, the junta faces ongoing challenges in addressing the country’s severe security issues. With a large portion of Burkina Faso outside government control and widespread reports of human rights abuses, the path ahead remains fraught with complexity. The evolving alliance with Russia also adds a geopolitical layer to an already tense situation.
Original Source: apnews.com
