Heavy gunfire heard amid Burkina Faso mutiny

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According to Eric Humphery-Smith, Senior Africa Analyst at risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft, the recent unrest reported in Burkina Faso on Friday morning “smacks of a coup attempt” and if successful, would be the “sixth unconstitutional takeover in the Sahel in the previous two years.”

Additionally, there have been recent coups in Mali and Guinea.

Even if it isn’t [a coup attempt], Mr. Humphrey-Smith said, “it’s still a scathing indictment of the state of democracy in the region.”

He continued by mentioning recent violence in the nation’s north, which “likely played a role” in what was happening on Friday. “It’s hard for the Burkinabè junta to claim that it has delivered on its promise of improving the security situation, which was its pretext for the coup in January,” he said.

If it were a coup, it would come at a horrible moment for Burkina Faso’s economy and might result in “more severe sanctions and trade disruption,” he said.

 

Burkina Faso government source: It’s a mutiny

 

Following reports of gunfire and a significant military presence in Burkina Faso’s capital this morning, a government source—who asked to remain anonymous—told the BBC that there is a mutiny underway and that the authorities are in talks with the participating soldiers.

Foreign embassies urge people to be cautious.

In light of turmoil in the city and rumours of a potential coup attempt, foreign embassies in Burkina Faso are advising their nationals to keep themselves safe.

The foreign ministry of Denmark tweeted that residents of Ouagadougou should “remain inside” as there has been shooting. The embassy of Denmark to Burkina Faso tweeted this message.

The US embassy has since issued a warning to residents to stay away from the area where shootings have been reported “and keep an eye on local media for updates.”

 

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