Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traore, addressed the nation on Thursday to dispel rumors of a mutiny within the army. This comes after an attack by al Qaeda-linked insurgents resulted in the deaths of over 100 soldiers near the border with Niger.
During his televised appearance, Traore did not directly attribute the attack to any specific group but reassured the public that Burkina Faso had initiated an operation in response and deployed additional troops. Speculation had arisen regarding Traore’s safety following gunfire near the presidency and a rocket shell landing close to the state-run RTB Television’s headquarters in Ouagadougou on June 12.
Refuting claims of a mutiny, Traore informed the gathered crowd that the incident occurred while he was in a council meeting and assured them of his safety. He explained that a rocket accidentally landed in the RTB courtyard, causing injuries but no fatalities, as it was launched by individuals protecting the television channel.
In recent developments, Russian reinforcements and Malian officials have been dispatched to enhance Traore’s security in light of the ongoing insecurity in the region. This collaboration highlights the increasing reliance on Russian support by neighboring junta-led states over traditional Western assistance.
Flight tracking data revealed that a Russian cargo plane made multiple trips between Mali and Ouagadougou, carrying U.N. equipment. Traore acknowledged the arrival of six Russian planes from Gao, transporting U.N. equipment following the completion of a mission in Mali. Despite these efforts, the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali refrained from immediate comment.
The preceding day witnessed a deadly attack in Burkina Faso’s Mansila area, claimed by the Al Qaeda affiliate group, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). The group’s statement confirmed the killing of 107 soldiers and their capture of a military post in Mansila.
The events in Ouagadougou and Mansila underscore the fragility of security in the region, prompting collaborative efforts between Burkina Faso, Mali, and external partners to combat insurgent threats.
As the situation unfolds, concerns persist regarding the stability and safety of the affected countries in the Sahel region.
