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LequteMan
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The Burkina Faso government on Friday said it has foiled a "vast" coup, by loyalists of ex leader Blaise Compaore, which aimed to seize power in the impoverished Sahel state.
“30 former members of the presidential guard (RSP), who were behind the failed coup in 2015, were planning various actions to destabilise the country”, a statement quoting Interior Minister Simon Compaore, said.
They were fomenting attacks in an operation that was due to be launched on 8 October, the minister said, adding that the plan was to target the presidential palace and the headquarters of the gendarmerie in the capital, Ouagadougou, and the detention centre where last year’s failed coup leaders were being held.
They also intended to create a mutiny in the army barracks and launch a rebellion using social media, Mr Compaore added.
Cases against 10 soldiers have been referred to a military prosecutor and 20 are still being held for questioning.
Blaise Compaore was chased from power in October 2014 following a popular revolt after he tried to change the constitution to extend his 27-year rule.
“30 former members of the presidential guard (RSP), who were behind the failed coup in 2015, were planning various actions to destabilise the country”, a statement quoting Interior Minister Simon Compaore, said.
They were fomenting attacks in an operation that was due to be launched on 8 October, the minister said, adding that the plan was to target the presidential palace and the headquarters of the gendarmerie in the capital, Ouagadougou, and the detention centre where last year’s failed coup leaders were being held.
They also intended to create a mutiny in the army barracks and launch a rebellion using social media, Mr Compaore added.
Cases against 10 soldiers have been referred to a military prosecutor and 20 are still being held for questioning.
Blaise Compaore was chased from power in October 2014 following a popular revolt after he tried to change the constitution to extend his 27-year rule.
