Tension remains high in Burkina Faso where the military junta that has seized power said on Friday that it had reopened borders and released the
Tension remains high in Burkina Faso where the military junta that has seized power said on Friday that it had reopened borders and released the president from custody.
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Security forces in the capital, Ouagadougou, fired in the air to disperse demonstrators who burned tyres and blocked streets on a second day of protests against the coup d’etat.
At least three people died and dozens were wounded on Thursday.
The takeover was led by General Gilbert Diendere, a former military adviser to long-time leader Blaise Compaore, who was toppled by protests last year.
Blaise is back: allies of Burkina Faso's former leader, Blaise Compaoré, oust his successor http://t.co/S38y0nmp9d pic.twitter.com/OXLDdKK6oB
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) 18 Septembre 2015
News of interim President Michel Kafando’s release appears to signal flexibility as a mediation process begins, led by Senegalese President Macky Sall, current chairman of the West African ECOWAS bloc.
Elections had been due to take place in Burkina Faso next month.