Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in Western Arica. It used to be a French colony.
In recent years, it has been hit by political unrest and by religion-based terror groups.
In January this year, Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba took over the reins of the country in a military coup.
On Friday, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré seized power and overthrew Damiba.
Damiba’s whereabouts are not known, but the new leadership announced that he has volunteered to resign, so long as his personal security is ensured.
The Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration (MPSR) was launched in January this year. According to an announcement on the national TV of Burkina Faso:
“The President of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration (MPSR) will serve as Head of State and Supreme Commander of the National Armed Forces. He is the guarantor of the independence of the judiciary. If the President is unable to act, his powers are exercised by the First Vice-President and, if necessary, by the Second Vice-President”
The country’s borders have been closed and a curfew is imposed from 9 am to 5 pm.
There was also some street fighting in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The new president, in a radio address, mentioned that this was because of forces sent by the earlier President.
Here are some snapshots of Burkina Faso.
