The authorities in Burkina Faso have announced the arrest of eight soldiers who are accused of plotting a coup.
Among those arrested is Colonel Mohamed Emmanuel Zoungrana – a well-known former army commander who has reportedly been critical of the government.
The justice ministry said investigation on the matter had begun.
The last coup in Burkina Faso took place seven years ago when a controversial military unit loyal to the ousted and exiled president, Blaise Compaoré, seized power.
Reports say the current leader, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, made significant changes to the government last month at a time while under pressure to counter frequent attacks by Islamist militants.
The last coup in Burkina Faso occurred in 2015 when the military announced the dissolution of the country’s transitional government, a day after presidential guards arrested the interim president, Michel Kafando and prime minister, Yacouba Zida.
BBC