Burkina Faso’s Junta Pardons 21 Soldiers Convicted of Involvement in 2015 Coup Attempt
Background
Burkina Faso, a troubled West African country, has been run by military leaders since September 2022 following a coup led by Captain Ibrahim Traore.
Amnesty Pardon
In December last year, Traore announced an "amnesty pardon" for several people convicted over the 2015 attempt to overthrow the transitional government in place after the fall of former president Blaise Compaore. This move comes as the country continues to battle jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group for more than 10 years.
Decree Issued
According to an official decree seen by AFP on Monday, the head of the junta has pardoned 21 soldiers convicted of involvement in the failed coup. The decree, issued last week, lists the 21 soldiers, including six officers, including two former unit commanders of the former presidential guard, 15 non-commissioned officers and rank and file soldiers.
Convictions and Sentences
The 21 soldiers were convicted at a military tribunal in Ouagadougou in 2019 for "harming state security", murder or treason. Two generals considered the masterminds of the failed coup, Compaore’s former chief of staff Gilbert Diendere and head of diplomacy Djibril Bassole, were sentenced to 20 and 10 years in prison respectively. They were not part of the amnesty.
Pardon Conditions
Those convicted have until June to request a pardon. To do so, they have to "demonstrate a patriotic commitment to the reconquest of the territory" and "express their willingness to actively participate in the fight against terrorism". The 21 soldiers pardoned will rejoin the army, but the decree stipulates that they will not be eligible for compensation or career progression.
The 2015 Coup Attempt
The failed coup attempt was led by Diendere and Bassole, who tried to oust the transitional government put in place after Compaore was forced out of office in October 2014 by a popular uprising, after 27 years in power. Loyalist forces put down the attempted coup within two weeks, resulting in 14 deaths and 270 injuries.
Justice Ministry’s Announcement
In December, the justice ministry announced that some 1,200 people convicted in connection with the coup attempt would be pardoned from January 1.
Conclusion
The pardon of 21 soldiers convicted of involvement in the 2015 coup attempt is a significant move by the junta in Burkina Faso. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to reconciliation and its willingness to give former opponents a second chance. However, the conditions of the pardon, including the requirement to actively participate in the fight against terrorism, may be seen as challenging for some of the pardoned soldiers.
FAQs
Q: Who are the 21 soldiers pardoned?
A: The 21 soldiers pardoned include six officers, including two former unit commanders of the former presidential guard, 15 non-commissioned officers and rank and file soldiers.
Q: What were the soldiers convicted of?
A: The 21 soldiers were convicted of "harming state security", murder or treason.
Q: What are the conditions of the pardon?
A: The conditions of the pardon include demonstrating a patriotic commitment to the reconquest of the territory and expressing a willingness to actively participate in the fight against terrorism.
Q: Will the pardoned soldiers be eligible for compensation or career progression?
A: No, according to the decree, the pardoned soldiers will not be eligible for compensation or career progression.