Amid swirling rumors of a coup attempt, Burkina Faso's transitional government has arrested several senior military officers, including Magistrate Commander Frédéric Ouédraogo and Captain Elysée Tassembedo. The arrests have heightened tensions within the military and raised concerns about the country's stability.
Commander Ouédraogo, formerly leading the Military Justice Battalion, was reportedly investigating the October 2023 shooting death of Commander Ismaël Touhogobou, who was suspected of involvement in a previous coup attempt. Security sources suggest that Ouédraogo's arrest may be linked to this investigation.
Captain Tassembedo, commander of the Northern Sector Security Forces Group based in Ouahigouya, was detained in Ouagadougou during a meeting. Following these arrests, transitional President Captain Ibrahim Traoré swiftly replaced the detained officers, though the exact number of replacements has not been disclosed.
The military atmosphere is described as tense, with suspicions directed at exiled former officers. The government has not confirmed any coup attempt, but the swift actions indicate a proactive approach to maintaining control.
This development underscores the fragile political climate in Burkina Faso, which has experienced multiple coups in recent years. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.