Burkina Faso’s military government, led by Ibrahim Traoré, is grappling with escalating jihadist attacks and internal instability, exposing the fragility of its control. The insurgent assaults, including deadly attacks in March, June, and August, have intensified pressure on the junta. Besides the insurgency, the junta is also grappling with coup attempts, with two thwarted in the past year alone. The government’s response has been increasingly authoritarian. It has arrested numerous security officers on allegations of sedition or terrorism. It has also forcibly conscripted civilians, including journalists and judges, whom it deems unfriendly. Relations with neighboring Côte d’Ivoire and France have deteriorated, further isolating the administration. Despite efforts to bolster its military with Russian mercenaries, the junta’s ability to maintain power remains uncertain as discontent grows within the military ranks and among the civilian population. As the security situation worsens, the likelihood of another coup in Burkina Faso appears increasingly imminent.
SOURCE: SEMAFOR