By Our Reporter
Several high-ranking officers of the Burkinabe armed forces have been arrested in recent days, with at least two reportedly dismissed from their posts as corps commanders, according to security sources. The arrests have triggered widespread speculation of an attempted coup, with supporters of the ruling junta pointing to exiled military personnel as potential instigators. Despite the gravity of the accusations, no further official action has been announced by the transitional government.
Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported that among those detained is Magistrate Commander Frédéric Ouédraogo, the former head of the Military Justice Battalion. According to sources close to the investigation, Commander Ouédraogo had been conducting a sensitive inquiry into the October 23 killing of Commander Ismaël Touhogobou, who was suspected of being involved in a prior coup attempt. The military prosecutor had previously indicated that the circumstances surrounding Touhogobou’s arrest had “gone wrong,” though details remain scarce.
In a separate incident, Captain Elysée Tassembedo, commander of the Northern Sector Security Forces Group headquartered in Ouahigouya, was reportedly apprehended in the capital, Ouagadougou, during a scheduled meeting. His arrest further fueled concerns of internal dissent within the armed forces.
Transitional President Captain Ibrahim Traoré moved swiftly to appoint replacements for the arrested officers, although the government has yet to provide the exact number of individuals detained or relieved of duty. Official communication remains limited, and the military has not issued a comprehensive statement regarding the alleged plot or the ongoing investigation.
According to internal security sources, the atmosphere within the armed forces is increasingly strained, with growing mistrust and heightened scrutiny directed at former officers who were previously expelled from military ranks. These tensions reflect the broader instability that has characterized Burkina Faso’s political and security landscape in recent years, particularly following a series of coups and the ongoing struggle against jihadist insurgencies.
Observers note that while no formal charges or public accusations have been made, the recent developments underscore the fragility of the current transitional regime and the deep divisions within the military hierarchy. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, amid concerns over governance, rule of law, and the potential for renewed unrest in the region.
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