Burkina Faso’s Gendarmerie Chief Sacked Over “Plot Against State Security”

The chief of staff of the Burkina Faso gendarmerie has been sacked and replaced after being implicated in a “plot against state security”.

Lieutenant-Colonel Évrard Somda was removed from his position and replaced by Lieutenant-Colonel Kouagri Natama, according to a presidential decree.

This decision comes after four officers, including two of Somda’s former close associates, were arrested last week on suspicion of being involved in a plot against the state.

Natama, who was previously commander of the first gendarmerie region, has a strong military background and was chosen to take over the leadership of the national gendarmerie.

This move aims to strengthen the security of the country, which has been facing ongoing jihadist violence since 2015. The violence has had devastating effects, with thousands of casualties and millions internally displaced. This recent development reflects the government’s commitment to addressing security concerns and maintaining stability in Burkina Faso.