Mass Protests Staged Across Burkina Faso After Failed Coup

Thousands of Burkinabe citizens marched through the streets of major cities on Wednesday in a show of support for transitional leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

The demonstrations, held in response to remarks deemed hostile by U.S. General Michael Langley, were spearheaded by the National Citizen Watch Committee and drew large crowds, particularly at Ouagadougou’s Revolution Square. Protesters called for respect toward Traoré and drew symbolic connections to former President Thomas Sankara, viewing the current leader as a continuation of his legacy.

Members of the government, including Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, joined the demonstrations, delivering messages of gratitude from the president and condemning foreign interference.

In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that Burkina Faso’s leadership remains steadfast despite external pressure and accused certain foreign figures of attempting to undermine the country’s sovereignty through disinformation.

Demonstrators in Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, and Ouahigouya carried flags of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Russia, and voiced their support for the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

The government framed the mobilization as a powerful statement of national unity and resistance, with the Minister of State reaffirming that President Traoré draws strength from the popular backing of the Burkinabe people.