Presidential guard officers in Burkina Faso have seized power in a coup, with reports of more than 10 deaths amid protests in the capital, Ouagadougou.A close ally of former President Blaise Compaore has been named the country's new leader, state television reports.
Those killed were shot dead by presidential guard forces in the capital, a civil society group said.
The coup leaders have imposed a night-time curfew across the West African state, and have ordered the closure of land and air borders, AFP news agency reports.
Burkina Faso's interim President Michel Kafando has been freed and is in good health, the new junta leaders say.
However, Prime Minister Isaac Zida, who was also detained when the presidential guard stormed a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, remains under house arrest.
The African Union has suspended Burkina Faso and threatened sanctions unless the junta releases all interim political figures from detention.
The US, France and African Union (AU) condemned the coup in the former French colony.
The coup leaders have agreed to the "principle of dialogue", as two West African leaders arrived in the country to mediate in the crisis.
At least three people have died in protests in the capital, Ouagadougou, after an ally of ex-President Blaise Compaore was named leader on Thursday.
No comments:
Post a Comment