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Thousands Gather at Rally in Support of Burkina Faso's Transitional Government

15:59, 11 May 2024

Christina Glazkova

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In late September 2022, a group of military personnel in Burkina Faso, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, announced the removal of the head of the transitional government of the country, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandago Damiba, the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of the government.

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A rally in support of extending Burkina Faso's transitional government's reign period took place in the capital Ouagadougou on Saturday.

"We call on all Burkinabes to gather in a mass meeting on May 11, 2024, to demonstrate our unwavering support for the transition process. It is together, in unity and solidarity, that we will build a better future for our dear Burkina Faso. Let's stay strong, let's stick together!" a letter signed by Abdoul Rasmane Sawadogo, Chief Coordinator of the Black African Defense League - Burkina Faso branch, read.

At the same time, in a statement, Sawadogo warned fellow citizens about “hostile forces” that seek to disrupt this rally and called on Burkinabe people to be vigilant, and attempts to disrupt the event will be punished.

"Any attack directed at this event is an attack against Captain Ibrahim Traore, his government and, by extension, the sovereign people of Burkina Faso. We warn all who seek to demobilize or sabotage this historic gathering: such actions will be considered a betrayal of our nation and will be dealt with in the strongest possible terms," the statement read.

The rally, led by the transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, takes place at the Issoufou Joseph Conombo Stadium on Saturday. Local media reported that thousands of people came to support the president.

According to the National Coordination of Citizens' Watch Associations (CNAVC), the meeting should be a "historic" and "solemn" event.

CNAVC member Ghislain Dabire, speaking at the meeting, noted the significant successes that were achieved under the leadership of Traore, including in the field of agriculture.

"With the acquisition of a significant number of tractors, plowing equipment, seeds and agricultural inputs for the 2024 agricultural campaign, Burkina Faso is heading straight towards food self-sufficiency. People of Burkina Faso, for more than 60 years, we have long been made to understand that a certain number of crops such as wheat could not be produced in Burkina Faso. But today, with Captain Ibrahim Traore, Burkina Faso is included on the list of wheat producing countries," he was quoted as saying by local media.

He also reportedly underlined the country's successes in international relations, mentioning the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States.

Last September, Ouagadougou also saw a big support of Traore when thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, waving, just like this time, Burkinabe and Russian flags.