Here are videos in which this guy himself confirms that he was among the protesters, was seized by detention facility staff and beaten, and is currently undergoing medical treatment for a rib injury: https://t.me/ZeRada1/32905

Below in the comments there’s BBC video of this interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JXpomZH7FI you can check it yourself, mentioned quote is on 9:55

It’s unfair that this comment has so few upvotes.

Anyone know who was backing the instigators? America? Russia?

I’d bet on France. Russia has no interest in removing Traoré as he’s pretty open towards cooperation among two countries. Here’s part of his speech on Russia-Africa summit last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8J5mK7JKMY