The coup d'état led by Colonel Gabriel Yoryan Somé resulted in the ousting of Colonel Saye Zerbo, who had been president of Upper Volta's military government since 1980. Under Zerbo's rule, the country faced increasing dissent due to economic hardships and growing discontent with military governance. Various factions within the military also began to question Zerbo's authority and direction, setting the stage for a power struggle. On November 7, 1982, Somé, who commanded a significant faction discontented with Zerbo’s policies, launched a well-coordinated coup. Troops loyal to Somé took critical strategic positions across the capital, Ouagadougou, effectively disrupting Zerbo's hold on power. By the end of the day, Zerbo had been detained and replaced by Somé as a new leader was installed to assume control of the military government. As news of the coup spread, reactions varied across the civilian population, with some expressing relief at the change in leadership, while others remained cautious about the continuation of military rule. Somé's early promises included attempts to stabilize the economy and address social grievances, but such pledges would face skepticism moving forward.