Another coup in Burkina Faso: New leader Captain Ibrahim Traore topples President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba's military regime

Armed soldiers could be seen strolling the streets in Burkina Faso as soldiers announced the overthrow of the military regime on Friday. Militants in fatigues and masks appeared on TV and announced the sacking of President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.

The troubled West African nation witnessed the second coup in a year, which has further destabilised Burkina Faso.

Multiple explosions and gunfire shots could be heard in the capital Ouagadougou on Friday morning before the state television was interrupted. This year’s second military coup was in line with the growing insurgency in Western and Central Africa perpetrated by Islamic extremists. The recent military insurgencies have killed thousands of civilians across the Sahel region, weakening governments, elected and other kinds.





Apart from Burkina Faso, other African countries that have witnessed coups since 2020 include Mali, Chad and Guinea. Burkina Faso’s new military regime, which has ousted the regime that came to power in January, is led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, who also appeared on television along with his soldiers. Traore announced the dissolution of the Damiba regime due to the latter’s incapability to deal with Islamic extremists. Ironically, Damiba cited the same reason for overthrowing former President Roch Kabore earlier this year, who was elected in 2015.

FAQs

Who is the leader of the new military regime in Burkina Faso?
The new military regime in Burkina Faso is led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, who also appeared on television to confirm the coup.

Who was the last elected head of Burkina Faso?
Former President Roch Kabore was the last elected head of state in Burkina Faso. He had won the elections in 2015.