Burkina Faso’s transition leader confirms coup attempt: Media

KIGALI, Rwanda 

Burkina Faso’s military leader Captain Ibrahim Traore spoke out Thursday on a recent attempted coup against his government, confirming that some elements of the army wanted to seize power, according to local media reports. 

Last weekend, there was speculation after rumors circulated on social media networks of a coup attempt against the transitional government.

On Sunday night and Monday, demonstrators presenting themselves as Traore’s supporters gathered in the capital to protest against the alleged attempted coup.

Addressing civil society organizations and religious leaders in the capital Ouagadougou, Traore said he knows the perpetrators, but he prefers dialogue instead of arresting them, local Radio Omega reported.

The president asked for the support of everyone because some “forces” are trying to sabotage the government's efforts and undermine morale, it said.

“The president openly told the participants there was an attempted coup against his government last weekend. He said he knew the perpetrators but preferred not to arrest them in favor of dialogue,” the report said, quoting a participant who attended the meeting.

“The captain asked the participants to be vigilant and to be ready because the path to democratic rule will not be easy.”

The president reportedly claimed that there is money being distributed to influence certain elements to destabilize the government and asked those in the meeting not to fall for it.

In September, Traore, 34, led a group of disgruntled soldiers who deposed Lt. Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had seized power in a January coup against the elected government of President Roch Marc Christian Kabore.