On October 31, a large demonstration was planned in Burkina Faso to celebrate the popular uprising of 2014. However, trade union organizations decided to suspend this event, following a request from the mayor of Ouagadougou fearing disturbances to public order.
Despite certain inconsistencies noted in the letter from the president of the special delegation, the organizers demonstrated responsibility by deciding to postpone the meeting. Nevertheless, they call on the members of the different organizations to remain mobilized and to carefully monitor the evolution of the situation.
This demonstration was to be an opportunity to commemorate the popular uprising of 2014, but also to denounce the restrictions on freedoms, the deterioration of the security situation, the kidnappings of citizens and the rise in the cost of living.
However, individuals claiming to support the military regime in place had threatened the leaders of the organizations, thus causing fears of violence during the demonstration. Faced with these risks, the mayor justified his request by citing the security context, the risks of clashes and the increase in social tensions.
In this context, it is important to emphasize that the decision to postpone the demonstration aims to preserve the safety of participants and avoid aggravation of tensions. However, it also raises questions about the state of freedoms and democracy in Burkina Faso.