Military Coups in West Africa: The Case of Burkina Faso

There were eight military coups in Burkina Faso since 2020, including two in 2022. Author examines the key aspects and sequence of military coups in Burkina Faso in 2022, as well as their main causes and consequences. It identifies the causes of instability, including internal socio-economic problems, terrorist threats from groups, and the impact of the crisis in neighboring countries - Mali and Guinea. The study highlights the parallels and impact of the military coup of January 2022, as well as the process of the military coup of September 2022 and the reactions to the coup. The first coup in January 2022 was a consequence of serious threats to national security associated with the actions of terrorist groups, which caused mass protests and public disappointment in the work of the ruling structures. The military seized the moment and took over, citing the need to restore order and combat terrorism. Against this backdrop, a second military coup was carried out in September 2022, which was caused by growing internal destabilization, popular discontent, and divisions within the armed forces. During this event, the military again seized power, replacing the leader, and emphasized its role in ensuring the country’s stability. This paper also provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation and prospects for further development of the situation in the country. It examines the government’s efforts to restore stability, develop infrastructure, and combat corruption, as well as new political steps, including the abandonment of elections and the expansion of the powers of President Ibrahim Traore. The article also examines the international reaction, including the condemnation of the military coups by the European Union and regional structures, primarily ECOWAS.