Hundreds mark one year of military rule in Burkina Faso

A pro-military rally is underway in Burkina Faso to mark the first anniversary of the coup that brought Capt Ibrahim Traore to power.

It comes after the junta claimed that a coup attempt was thwarted on Tuesday.

Hundreds have gathered at the National Square in the capital, Ouagadougou, and in several other towns, heeding the call from organisers who claim foreign powers are behind efforts to topple the junta.

One of the key demands of the demonstrators is the adoption of a new constitution. Between speeches of support and performances by artists, the flags of Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Guinea could also be seen in a show of solidarity to other military-led nations in West Africa.

Demonstrators held a spontaneous rally on Tuesday night to show solidarity with the junta amid rumours of divisions within the armed forces and a possible countercoup.

Four officials have been detained in connection with the reported coup attempt.

The junta came to power after two military coups last year, triggered in part by the worsening Islamist insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

But Burkina Faso’s military leaders have so far struggled to contain the situation, despite promises to tackle insecurity. Militant attacks have increased in the country, threatening the stability of the wider West African Sahel region.