Thousands of people gathered in Burkina Faso’s capital on Wednesday to show their support for the military junta, following an alleged coup attempt and recent criticism from an American official.
The rally was sparked by claims from Burkina Faso’s military government that it had thwarted a major plot to overthrow junta leader, Capt. Ibrahim Traore.
The alleged plotters, according to the government, were based in neighboring Ivory Coast.
Earlier this month, U.S. General Michael Langley accused Traore of exploiting the country’s gold reserves for personal gain, harming the population in the process.
In response, protesters filled the Place de la Revolution, chanting “Long live Captain Traore!” and waving flags of Burkina Faso and Russia, an ally of the junta.
Ocibi Johann, a musician at the protest, expressed skepticism toward Langley’s accusations, recalling U.S. actions in Iraq and Libya.
“This time, their lies won’t affect us,” Johann said. “We are against predation and economic slavery.”
Burkina Faso’s military junta, which seized power in a 2022 coup, has struggled to curb the growing insurgency in the country.
With more than 60% of the nation outside of government control, the junta has faced mounting humanitarian challenges.
Over 2.1 million people have been displaced, and nearly 6.5 million require urgent aid.