Military in Burkina Faso confirms coup, dissolves government
by Associated Press
OUAGADOUGOUSep 18, 2015 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Associated Press
Sep 18, 2015 12:00 am
While gunfire rang out in the streets, Burkina Faso's military took to the airwaves yesterday to declare it now controls the West African country, confirming that a coup has taken place just weeks before elections.
The announcement broadcast on national television and radio was read by an army lieutenant colonel wearing a camouflage uniform and cap who sat in front of a blue background. The statement said the country's transitional government had been dissolved and the interim president was no longer in power. The coup leaders, who come from an elite presidential guard unit that had disagreed publicly with the transitional government in recent months, identified themselves as the National Council for Democracy.
Their public statement confirmed what many suspected Wednesday when the transitional president and prime minister were arrested and barricades were erected around the presidency. Hours later, the coup leaders announced that a military general and former aide to the former longtime president now leads Burkina Faso. Gen. Gilbert Diendere had been head of the elite presidential guard until President Blaise Compaore was ousted in a popular uprising that was sparked by his bid to prolong his rule.
The communique also said that the land and air borders were now closed, and that a curfew would be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The international community swiftly condemned the coup, which violated the country's constitution.
Burkina Faso hosts French special forces and serves as an important ally of both France and the United States in the fight against extremists in West Africa.
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