Burkina Faso Army Captain Ibrahim Traore Overthrows President Damiba’s Military Regime

In a statement read on national television on Friday, September 30th, Burkina Faso Army Captain Ibrahim Traore announced the removal of military President Paul-Henri Damiba and the dissolution of the government and constitution. This is the second coup in Burkina Faso this year.

According to Army Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Damiba was removed because he was unable to handle the growing Islamist insurgency. Damiba had previously vowed to oust the armed groups and re-establish civilian rule within the next two years.

Traoré declared that all political and civil society activities had been suspended and that Burkina Faso’s borders were shut indefinitely.

Just before 8 p.m, approximately 15 soldiers in military uniform appeared on the radio-television station and read the statement.

They declared that in order to restore the security and integrity of their territory, “We have decided to take our responsibilities [into our own hands].”

Also, they stated, “Faced with the deteriorating situation, we tried several times to get Damiba to refocus the transition on the security question.”

According to the statement, Damiba refused the officers’ suggestions to reorganize the army, instead deciding to stick with the previous military setup that had contributed to the previous administration’s downfall.

The failure to address and handle the Islamist insurgency in Burkina Faso was the reason for the ousting of former President Roch Kabore earlier this year by Damina. This sudden transit of the government has led to a declaration of a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. throughout the country.