Oliver Meth
THE international community and agencies have reacted swiftly to the on-going coup in Burkina Faso. Amid the worsening conflict, the reported coup could have severe impacts on the country.
Many political analysts have criticised the African Union’s response and expressed the international community has a powerful lever of aid, on which Burkina Faso is dependent.
African Union Commission Chief Moussa Faki Mahamat has condemned an “attempted coup” in Burkina Faso after the country’s president, Roch Kabore, is reportedly being detained at a military camp following a mutiny by soldiers.
“He strongly condemns the attempted coup d’etat against the democratically elected president,” the AU said in a statement.
United Nations (UN) Chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement he “strongly condemns any attempted takeover of the government by the force of arms”.
“Coup leaders must lay down their arms & ensure the safety of the President and the protection of the country’s institutions,” he said in a Twitter post.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterre
A government spokesperson told Reuters that talks were ongoing with soldiers. A spokesperson for the soldiers said they were demanding “appropriate” resources and training for the army in its fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State and the resignation of the army and intelligence chiefs.
Embassies in Burkina Faso have issued alerts and urged citizens to be cautious. The United States embassy in Ouagadougou announced it would remain closed to the public due to the ongoing security situation. Land and air border travel have also been suspended, the embassy said.
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