Second Day of Tensions in Burkina Faso Adds Doubts to Who Is in Power
Two Days after the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the coup in Burkina Faso, suspending Burkina’s membership until the country holds a fresh election. It also condemns the force that took power. African Union Commission President, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said the coup was “unacceptable.”France, Burkina Faso’s former colonizer, quickly denied any involvement, and Captain Traoré appeared to row back his earlier comments on Saturday evening, acknowledging on the television channel France 24 that France was likely not supporting Colonel Damiba.
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As the Second Day of Tensions in Burkino Faso adds doubts to who is in power, the French Embassy in the country’s capital was attacked by protesters, some of whom are supporters of the country’s new coup leader. However, the French government denied the allegations. They also denied having any involvement in the conflict, which was prompted by accusations that the French government was sheltering the new coup leader Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba. The insurgent leader was overthrown by a group of soldiers on state television late Friday, and his whereabouts are still unknown.
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The second day of tensions in Burkina Faso has raised questions over who is in control of the country. Violence erupted on Friday and Saturday in the country’s capital of Ouagadougou, which is also home to an important French mission. Protesters erected barricades in some areas, and some even attacked the French Embassy with rocks. France and the United States condemned the coup and urged a de-escalation of the situation.Adding to the confusion, Burkina Faso’s army chief of staff on Saturday afternoon appeared to deny that Friday’s coup had overthrown Colonel Damiba
Not clear
The situation in Burkina Faso is tense, but not yet clear who is in power. The country is suffering from a humanitarian crisis, and the instability could affect the country’s ability to attract international aid. In addition, a coup could destabilize the military and embolden jihadists, which would only make the situation worse.
Uncertainty
Uncertainty over who is in power in Burkina Faso has been growing as tensions between the government and opposition escalate. The country is grappling with an increasing Islamic militancy that former President Kabore failed to address. As a result, violent clashes between jihadists and the army have left thousands dead and 1.5 million displaced. A particularly brutal attack on a military base in the north has fueled widespread military and civil outrage.
Questionable leadership
The situation in Burkina Faso has not improved since the coup of 24 January, with jihadist attacks and destruction of infrastructure continuing on a daily basis. In addition, the armed forces have struggled to contain the threat, leading to a number of civilian deaths. Meanwhile, the government has made a number of controversial decisions, including training and arming civilian volunteers to fight Islamist militants.
Impact on civilians
On the second day of tensions in Burkina, residents gathered in the capital to protest against the junta’s move to consolidate its power base. An angry crowd set a section of the compound ablaze and also vandalised the French Institute in the capital, Bobo-Dioulasso. While France has denied any involvement in the ongoing unrest in the country, it has advised its citizens to remain at home. The coup’s military commander, army captain Traore, has defended his actions by saying that he did not intend to harm the people of Burkina Faso.
Threats from terrorist groups
Burkina Faso is experiencing a recent increase in violent extremist activity. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, several high-profile attacks have taken place in the country, mostly by groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State.
