BURKINA FASO: Paramilitary Police Chief dismissed amid coup plot suspicions

By Ollus Ndomu

Burkina Faso authorities have in swift response to growing concerns over a suspected “plot against state security,” country’s President Ibrahim Traoré, taken a decisive action by dismissing the head of the paramilitary police, Lt Col Evrard Somda.

This move comes just a week after four police officers were detained under suspicion of involvement in the alleged conspiracy.

Lt Col Kouagri Natama has been appointed to replace Somda, who had been leading the national gendarmerie since the previous year.

The situation has raised alarm bells in Burkina Faso, with authorities keen to maintain stability following last week’s announcement of a foiled coup attempt by the ruling junta.

According to reports from the French-language news publication Jeune Afrique, two of the detained police officers were closely associated with Lt Col Evrard Somda and served under the national paramilitary police.

Their alleged involvement in the plot has sent shockwaves through the security establishment and raised questions about the extent of the conspiracy.

President Traoré’s decision to replace the head of the paramilitary police underscores the government’s commitment to addressing any potential threats to the nation’s stability and security.

The situation in Burkina Faso remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring developments and taking necessary actions to safeguard the nation against any security risks.