Gunfire has erupted across Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, as rival factions within the military face off following a reported coup attempt by Captain Ibrahim Traore against President Paul-Henri Damiba.
The unrest marks a new period of uncertainty for the West African nation, which has been battling a worsening Islamist insurgency that has displaced millions of people and weakened public confidence in the government.
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Traore, who declared the removal of Damiba from power, accused the president of launching a counter-offensive to regain control. Damiba, in his first public response, called on Traore and his supporters to end the confrontation and avoid a conflict within the armed forces.
The Burkina Faso army chief of staff also appealed to both sides to stop hostilities, describing the situation as an internal military crisis and urging dialogue.
The crisis has drawn international concern, with the United Nations and the United States condemning any attempt to seize power through force and calling for peaceful negotiations.
Traore’s supporters gathered in Ouagadougou to back the takeover, with some protesters targeting French interests after allegations that Damiba was receiving support from a French military base. France denied the claims, while Damiba also rejected the allegations.
The situation escalated further when a fire broke out at the French embassy, with reports of gunshots around the area. France condemned the violence and called for calm.
Burkina Faso has experienced increasing instability in recent years, becoming one of several West African countries affected by military takeovers. The country’s security challenges have been worsened by attacks from groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
The whereabouts of President Damiba remain unclear as efforts continue to resolve the military standoff.
