Three killed as soldiers crush protests in wake of Burkina Faso military coup

Heavily armed troops crushed protests in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou after a former spy chief seized power in a military coup. At least three people were killed and more than 60 injured when members of the presidential guard fired warning shots to disperse crowds and used batons to beat back stone-throwing demonstrators. However, the coup leaders’ authority did not appear to extend beyond the capital and soldiers stood aside as youths demonstrated in several other cities and towns.

People started to gather, then in front of us we saw a V8 (military vehicle) that drove directly into the crowd and they started shooting, killing people. People started falling down

Protester Bakary Zongo

The protests followed the detention of the country’s interim president, prime minister and two other ministers by members of the elite presidential guard on Wednesday. The following day, Gen Gilbert Diendere, who for three decades was the shadowy spymaster behind the rule of Blaise Compaore, said he was taking control. It has derailed hopes for a new democracy in the West African nation, where elections are due to be held next month for a replacement for Mr Compaore who was toppled in a popular uprising last year. The coup leaders have forced private radio and television stations off the air, while journalists on the streets were threatened or beaten. Many streets in the city centre remained deserted and shops were closed on Friday as sporadic gunfire rang out in several districts of the capital. Independence Square, which was the heart of last year’s uprising, was occupied by soldiers.

There may be some kind of sanctions to face but we will ask the international community to be understanding of Burkina Faso.

Junta leader Gen Gilbert Diendere

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