Remembering the events since the January 2022 military coup in Burkina Faso, on Friday the scene of a second coup in eight months.
• Also read: Burkina: Second coup in eight months, junta chief ousted
• Also read: Burkina: At least 35 civilians killed in artisanal device explosion
Incidents at demonstrations and mutinies
On January 22, 2022, incidents erupted in several cities, including Ouagadougou. The demonstrators are protesting the powerlessness of the authorities in the face of the jihadist violence that has plagued the country since 2015.
Sometimes mixed with inter-community clashes, this violence has left thousands dead and some 2 million displaced.
On the 23rd, mutineers demanded the “replacement” of army leaders, “appropriate means” against the jihadists, and “better care for the wounded.”
The government denied the rumors of “an army takeover” and imposed a curfew.
military coup
On January 24, soldiers announced that they had seized power and overthrown President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.
Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the country’s new strongman, announces the closure of the borders, the dissolution of the government and the suspension of the constitution. He promises “a roadmap for a return to constitutional order” within a “reasonable timeframe.”
International Beliefs
On the 25th, France, the UN and the Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup.
The next day, someone close to Mr Kaboré said he was under house arrest.
On the 28th, ECOWAS suspended Burkina, followed by the African Union (AU) on the 31st.
On the same day, the junta restores the constitution but amends the institutions “in anticipation of the establishment of the transitional bodies” with no timetable for a return to constitutional order.
In early February, the junta met with the leaders of the main political parties, many of whom said they were ready to support the transition. The curfew is lifted.
International pressure
On the 3rd, ECOWAS calls for an expeditious timetable for a return to constitutional order.
On the 6th a commission was announced to draft a charter and agenda for the transition.
On the 9th, the army’s new chief of staff promises a “new breath in the fight against terrorism”.
The UN Security Council says it is “seriously concerned about the unconstitutional change of government in Burkina Faso,” let alone a coup d’etat.
Damiba President
On the 10th, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was declared “President” by the Constitutional Council and installed on the 16th.
March 1st marks the transition from national meetings to three years.
New jihadist attacks
From mid-March, renewed deadly attacks by suspected jihadists, hundreds of lives lost.
Visiting Ouagadougou on June 19, West African mediator, former Nigerian President Mahamadou Issoufou, estimated that almost half the territory is out of state control.
On the 21st, Colonel Damiba received ex-President Kaboré to “defuse the situation”.
Two-year transition period
On July 3, West African leaders agree with the junta on a two-year transition.
On the 7th, former President Blaise Compaoré returned to Burkina Faso for the first time since he was overthrown by a popular uprising in 2014, a two-day return “for reconciliation” at the invitation of President Damiba.
On August 11, ex-President Kaboré was authorized to leave his country for “medical reasons”.
On the 19th, the AU calls on the international community to support the transition.
Bloody September, cast change
At the beginning of September, President Damiba celebrated “relative calm” in several places.
But deadly attacks continue in the north, where cities are now blocked by jihadists.
On the 5th, a supply convoy jumped on a homemade bomb: 35 civilians were killed, including many children.
A week later, Damiba fires his defense minister and replaces him himself.
September 27, new attack on a supply convoy escorted by the army in the north: Officially, at least 11 soldiers are killed, 28 people injured and 50 civilians missing.
New coup
On the evening of September 30, after a day of shooting in the Presidential Quarter, about fifteen soldiers announced that Colonel Damiba had been removed from his post in favor of Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The coup leaders announce the closure of the borders, the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of the government and the transitional assembly. A curfew applies.
ECOWAS condemns the “seizure of power by force”, Brussels and Washington express their concern.