Burkina Faso: the question of Russian or French influence maintains confusion
Soldiers from the new junta stand guard in a street in Ouagadougou, October 1, 2022. REUTERS - VINCENT BADO
Text by: RFI Follow
4 mins
Is the rapprochement between Burkina and Russia the real motivation of the coup?
Does France support Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba?
These two questions were this Saturday at the heart of statements by the putschist soldiers who took power on Friday, October 30.
Contradictory statements that had immediate repercussions, on the ground and in diplomatic spheres, on the situation that Burkina has been going through for two days.
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In a press release read Saturday, October 1 on national television, the putschist soldiers invoke for the first time the choice of a new ally to justify their coup.
And accuse France of helping
Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba
to regain power.
“
Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba would have taken refuge within the French base, in Kamboisin, in a position to plan a counter-offensive.
This follows our firm desire to go to other partners ready to help us in our fight against terrorism
,” explained Second Lieutenant Jean-Baptiste Kabré, reading a statement by Captain Traoré, leader of the putschists.
Russia is not mentioned by name, but the message seems clear.
Since Friday, Russian flags have been waved at rallies in support of the putschists, and on social networks, pro-Russian accounts have commented on the events, with strong anti-French slogans.
►
To read also: Burkina Faso: return to an eventful Saturday the day after the coup
The categorical denial of Paris, which ensures not to be involved and not to protect Damiba, does not seem to do anything about it: the French embassy in Ouagadougou and the French Institute of Bobo-Dioulasso were targeted by demonstrators.
A few hours later,
Captain Ibrahim Traoré
backtracked on France 24.
“
A counter-offensive, yes.
Supported by France, I don't think.
There is a base called Kamboinsin, where there is a French base.
When we exfiltrate someone to this base, we say the French military base of Kamboinsin.
I know that France cannot interfere directly in our affairs.
If we have other partners today who can support us, don't necessarily see Russia.
The Americans are our current partners, we can also have Russia as a partner, so it's not about France or a problem of Russia and Wagner.
»
Hesitation synonymous with levity or deliberate strategy to try to mobilize?
These contradictory statements in any case add to the general vagueness.
In a written message posted on the Facebook page of the Burkinabe presidency, and authenticated by a collaborator of Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba, who has not spoken publicly since Friday's coup, the now ex-head of the transition denies having taken refuge in the Komboinsin camp: "
It is only an intoxication to manipulate public opinion,
writes Damiba
, I call on Captain Traoré and company to come to their senses to avoid a fratricidal war which Burkina Faso does not
doesn't need.
»
►
To read also: Burkina: soldiers announce the dissolution of the government
What is very worrying is to see that a regular army with an agenda, the fight against terrorism, is starting to create spaces for confrontation.
So there is a kind of polarization.
The first group, that of Damiba, is criticized for its proximity to France and another group, which does not expressly name Russia, but we see a certain civil society which is organized around it and asks to change partners.
Thomas Ouedraogo, Executive Director of the Center for Democratic Governance
Gaelle Laleix
confused day
The situation still remains uncertain in the capital after a confused day.
The activities of the population of Ouagadougou had resumed their normal course in the morning, until around 11:30 a.m., when troop movements and shooting near the main market created a movement of panic, forcing traders to close shop and pedestrians to desert the streets.
The roundabout of the United Nations was completely barricaded by the military, as well as the access roads leading to the National Radio-Television and to the Primature, while a helicopter furrowed the sky of the capital.
Shots also rang out in the Ouaga 2000 district during the day.
The precarious calm was broken at the end of the afternoon, when new shots were heard in the city center, and dozens of young people targeted the French embassy, setting fire to guards posted at the entrance and trying to force the access door to the visa service.
The tension eased slightly as night fell.
►
To read also: Burkina Faso: look back on a confused day in Ouagadougou marked by the discontent of soldiers
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Burkina Faso
Ibrahim Traore
Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba