Burkina Faso has experienced a coup, with the army proclaiming the sacking of the country’s administration.
The army removed President Roch Kabore, suspended the constitution, disbanded the government and national assembly, and locked the country’s borders, according to a televised announcement Monday evening.
The announcement, signed by lieutenant colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba and read on state television by another officer, Sidsoré Kader Ouedraogo, said the takeover was peaceful and that those detained were being held in a secure place.
The Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration was the name given to the group that carried out the coup (MPSR). The president’s incapacity to address security issues and unite Burkinabes, according to the report, contributed to the government’s overthrow.
“In view of the continuing deterioration of the security situation which threatens the very foundations of our country, the manifest inability of the power of Mr Marc Christian Kaboré to unite the Burkinabé to deal effectively with the situation…,” the group said.
The coup, it alleged, drew together all elements of the defence and security forces.
Deposing the administration, according to the broadcast, “is a move taken with the express purpose of allowing our country to get back on track and unite all of its forces to fight for its territorial integrity, CEMA role, and sovereignty.”
Detainees are being held in a dignified manner, according to the organisation. It promised to uphold international commitments, particularly human rights, in the future.
Burkina Faso’s coup is the most recent in the area, with similar coups also taking place in Chad, Mali, and Guinea.