Burkina Faso Experiences Second Coup In Less Than Eight Months
In the West African country Burkina Faso, military officers announced on Friday (Sept. 30) that they seized power in what looks to be the second coup in eight months.
According to The New York Times, it’s a part of the continued struggle of a nation having trouble putting an end to violence on behalf of extremist groups.
As the capital of Ouagadougou experienced heavy gunfire, president Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, leader of the previous January coup, attempted to reassure citizens that he still remained in control.
However, on Saturday (October 2), a day that followed confusion and uncertain chaotic moments, military officers went on national television to announce they ousted Damiba and Capt. Ibrahim Traoré is taking over.
“The hazardous choices of Colonel Damiba have progressively weakened our security,” the military officer read on television. He announced that the group was closing the country’s borders and setting up an overnight crew, as they suspended the constitution.
The military leaders’ decision is rooted in Damiba’s shortcomings of stopping violence in the nation.
Damiba’s location could not be confirmed, nor whether the military officers had gained complete control of the government.
The country’s anger continues to spread as the government fails to stop attacks on civilians from extremist groups, in the midst of an economic downfall.
At this time, uncertainty looms as this story continues to develop.
Talking to The Washington Post, Tenkodogo Isma, who runs a market in the capital, said that it was clear Damiba couldn’t gain control of the nation’s struggles but also feels uncertain about Traoré’s leadership.
“We don’t want someone we like, but rather someone who can manage and calm the jihadist situation in Burkina. “We just want the country to be at peace again,” he said, “to stand together and help each other.”
