By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
An attack that allegedly resulted in the deaths of over 100 soldiers at a Burkina Faso army base has intensified rumors of unrest within the security forces. The military has controlled the country since 2022. The junta leader appeared on state television to dispel these rumors. Burkina Faso has struggled against Islamist insurgents for years, with approximately half the country outside government control. The jihadist group Jamaat Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin claimed responsibility for the attack last Tuesday in the northern town of Mansila.
Attack in Mansila Sparks Rumors of Unrest in Burkina Faso's Military
On June 11, armed men attacked a military base in Mansila, near Burkina Faso's border with Niger, resulting in around 100 soldiers killed and many others missing. This incident has prompted speculation about unrest within the security forces. Hundreds of civilians fled Mansila for neighboring towns for safety. Five days later, the al Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin claimed responsibility for the attack, stating dozens of soldiers were killed and sharing a video showcasing captured weapons and ammunition. Following the attack, the military blockaded Mansila, restricting entry without a military convoy. In his first comment since the attack, Capt Ibrahim Traoré mentioned that the military launched an operation and sent reinforcements but did not confirm JNIM's claim of responsibility.
Incident at State Broadcaster
A day after the Mansila attack, a rocket struck the parking area of state TV Radiotélévision Burkinabé in Ouagadougou, resulting in two minor injuries. This incident, described by RTB as a "shooting incident," further fueled speculation about internal military tensions. Soldiers and the public had already expressed frustration over the government's handling of the security crisis. Sources suggested the RTB attack was linked to internal military issues, with reports of a rocket being fired from the presidential palace during a cabinet meeting, necessitating Capt Traoré’s security to "exfiltrate" him. However, Capt Traoré denied mutiny rumors, attributing the rocket launch to a mistake by the television station guards.
Official Silence and Public Reaction
The government has largely remained silent about these attacks, possibly to avoid criticism. Major military setbacks are sensitive issues in Burkina Faso, and Capt Traoré's predecessors were ousted for failing to handle militant attacks. Despite launching several counter terrorism operations with modern weapons from Russia, Turkey, and China, the security situation has deteriorated. Capt Traoré has kept a low profile, making his first public appearance three days after the Mansila attack during a blood donation drive. Although the authorities have not specifically addressed the attacks, they denied rumors of military discontent, attributing such reports to "ill intentioned individuals" aiming to create panic and demoralize troops.
Russia's Involvement
The attacks occurred shortly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Burkina Faso, where he announced plans to send more military instructors. Reports indicate that more Russian mercenaries have been deployed to protect Capt Traoré, ensuring his administration's stability.