Soldiers announced on Friday night that they have overthrown the Burkina Faso military government in the country’s second coup this year, removing the current ruler who had been in power since January.
The soldiers appeared on RTB state television in fatigue outfits and heavily armed after gunfire was reportedly heard in the capital Ouagadougou during the day.
Announcing the ousting of current President Paul-Henri Damiba, junta spokesperson Kiswendsida Farouk Azaria Sorgho read out a statement announcing that Captain Ibrahim Traore will be the new leader of the country.
He also announced the suspension of the constitution, the indefinite closure of the country’s borders and a national curfew from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.
“All political activity is suspended,” the spokesperson said. The group “reassures the international community that Burkina Faso continues to respect its international engagements, in particular human rights,” Sorgho said.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the action. “ECOWAS reaffirms its unequivocal opposition to any seizure or maintenance of power by unconstitutional means,” the group said in a statement shared on Twitter.
