Authorities in Burkina Faso have arrested eight soldiers accused of plotting a coup.
A well-known former army commander who has reportedly been critical of the government, Colonel Mohamed Emmanuel Zoungrana was among those arrested.
The justice ministry on Tuesday said it has opened an investigation on the matter. 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, took over.
Burkina Faso has remained especially vulnerable with rising violence by militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. They’ve murdered hundreds of soldiers and civilians, prompting violent street protests in November calling for President Roch Kabore to step down.
President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, made significant changes to the government last month at a time while under intense pressure to counter frequent attacks by insurgents