Burkina Faso Military Coup Overthrows President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré

October 29, 2023

2 minutes read

Military Coup

In a military-led coup, soldiers detained Burkina Faso’s President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. Reports of gunfire near the presidential residence in Ouagadougou surfaced over the weekend, escalating concerns about government stability. By early Monday, mutinying soldiers seized control of the state television station, Radio Télévision du Burkina, where they announced the takeover.

The coup, led by a group calling itself the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (MPSR), was announced on state TV by military spokesperson Captain Sidsoré Kader Ouedraogo. He cited the government’s failure to contain the escalating Islamist insurgency in the region as a primary reason for the action. The movement dissolved both the government and the National Assembly, suspended the constitution, and implemented a nationwide curfew. Borders were also closed, adding to the isolation and disruption felt across the country.

Kaboré, first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2020, faced significant criticism for his handling of an Islamist insurgency that has displaced more than 1.5 million people. Widespread protests had recently intensified, with citizens demanding stronger security and urging Kaboré’s resignation. In response to the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union both condemned the action, urging the military to protect Kaboré’s wellbeing.

President Kaboré took to Twitter, calling for dialogue and urging soldiers to put down their arms, but his precise whereabouts remained unclear amid reports of his detention at a military barracks in Ouagadougou. By evening, it was evident that Kaboré’s presidency had ended, casting uncertainty over the future political direction of Burkina Faso.

This coup marks the latest in a series of political upheavals in West Africa, reflecting regional instability and growing dissatisfaction with leadership unable to curb rising insurgencies.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Climate

Climate Change Strains Global Water Resources

A new United Nations report, released on September 18, 2025, highlights the growing pressure on ...

Sydney

McLaughlin-Levrone Secures 400m World Gold

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone delivered a remarkable run on September 18, 2025, at the World Athletics Championships ...

WHO

WHO Highlights Nations Cutting NCD Death Rates

Several nations have made impressive strides in fighting non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Health leaders recognized Nigeria, ...

Olubunmi Kuku

Tinubu Hails Kuku’s Election as ACI Africa Vice-President

On Friday, September 19, 2025, President Bola Tinubu extended warm congratulations to Olubunmi Kuku, Managing ...

Latest News

Today in History

September 20th is the day in 1737 that the finish of the Walking Purchase which forces the cession of 1.2 million acres (4,860 km²) of Lenape-Delaware tribal land to the Pennsylvania Colony.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.7473
GH Ghana Cedi12.2751
GM Gambian Dalasi73.7
GN Guinea Franc8,677.41
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,494.68
CF CFA Franc BEAC558.472
20 Sep · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 20 Sep 2025 02:05 UTC
Latest change: 20 Sep 2025 02:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?