Just eight months after the last coup to date, the military in Burkina Faso, West Africa, staged another coup. The previous president, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, had been relieved of his duties, according to a televised address by the new rulers on state television RTB (pictured above) on Friday night. Burkina Faso is now headed by Captain Ibrahima Traoré of the Burkinabe Armed Forces, it has been announced.
The interim parliament has reportedly been dissolved and the constitution suspended. The borders of Burkina were therefore closed for the time being. The new rulers have imposed a curfew until 5 a.m.
Shots have been heard in the capital
Former President Damiba had announced until Friday evening that he was in negotiations with his “brothers in arms”. At the same time, he called on the population to remain calm and cautious. Soldiers had been stationed at central locations in the Burkinabe capital, Ouagadougou, since early morning. They also blocked access to the presidential palace. Shots were heard in the capital on Friday evening.
The military has ruled Burkina Faso since a coup in January. According to their own statements, the soldiers wanted to ensure greater security. Recently, however, the security situation has deteriorated, increasing pressure on the interim government of Lieutenant Colonel Damiba. In September, there were two serious attacks on supply convoys in the border area of Mali and Niger, in northern Burkina Faso. Dozens of soldiers and civilians were killed.
Political situation has been unstable for years
The political and humanitarian situation in the Sahel country of some 21 million inhabitants has been unstable for years. Armed groups are active there and in neighboring Mali and Niger, some of which are affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist group or the al-Qaeda terrorist network. Prolonged droughts and famine crises are also causing problems for the country, which is impoverished despite rich gold reserves.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
