Published on: 02/10/2022 – 12:37 Modified on: 02/10/2022 – 15:37
The political situation is still rather uncertain in Burkina Faso this Sunday, October 2nd, almost 48 hours after what has been portrayed as the second coup in eight months. The country still has a new strongman at the helm, captain Ibrahim Traoré. His spokesman spoke about the situation in the country this Sunday afternoon.
► Regularly updated article, click here renew. Times are given in universal time (UT).
2:08 p.m.: ECOWAS asks “ the cessation of violence and looting of all kinds that cannot be tolerated »
In a press release, ECOWAS (Commonwealth of West African States) condemns the “seizure of power by force” in Burkina Faso. It calls on “defense and security forces to avoid escalation and to protect civilians under all circumstances”. ECOWAS calls for “an end to all forms of violence and looting that cannot be tolerated”. This press release follows another press release dated September 30th.
1:45 p.m : Demonstrations in the streets of Ouagadougou
The new self-proclaimed leader of Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, marches through the streets of Ouagadougou on October 2, 2022, waving to the crowd. AFP – IDRISSA OUEDRAOGO,ADAMA OUEDRAOGO
Demonstrators carry a flag of Burkina Faso while soldiers stand on a military vehicle during a protest in Ouagadougou October 2, 2022. AFP – –
12.24pm: Captain Traoré assures that “things are gradually getting back to normal”
Burkina Faso’s new strongman, captain Ibrahim Traoré, assures that the situation is under control and “things are gradually coming back to order”. The announcement was made a few moments ago on public television RTB. The press release was read by Captain Sorgho in the presence of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina’s new fort. He also urged people to exercise calm and restraint and distance themselves from acts of violence and vandalism, particularly against the French embassy or French military base in Kamboinsin.
Formerly the captain Ibrahim Traore who led the coup appeared on national television, our correspondent in Ouagadougou reported, Sidi Yansane. The young officer went to the RTB, where army vehicles and armored vehicles have been stationed since Friday. He was cheered by en masse supporters to show their support for the man they now see as the country’s new strongman.
This morning the calm in Ouagadougou was still precarious. Demonstrators again attacked the French embassy, located in the city center. According to AFP, some even attempted to scale the perimeter wall of the diplomatic mission and were eventually scattered and repelled. Another group also targeted the French high school in Ouagadougou, which is a few blocks from the embassy and very close to the city’s big market.
10:00 a.m.: Occupation of the main axes of the city
Dozens of people occupy certain axes of the city to show their support for the forces of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, leader of the new coup plotters. We can also hear vuvuzelas of support around town from time to time. With the curfew lifted and the military calling for a patriotic vigil last night, protesters gathered across the capital for much of the evening, particularly at the United Nations roundabout and around the airbase. They also set up barricades across the city in anticipation of a possible nighttime response, with a helicopter hovering overhead for much of the night.
Ibrahim Traoré spoke in the media as the deposed president of the transition, lieutenant colonel Paul Henri Damiba, he shared with him on Facebook. Still, Captain Traoré’s words create confusion. Even if they put an end to rumors of French involvement. “France has no interest in interfering in our affairs,” he told our France 24 colleagues yesterday.
The putschists, united behind Captain Ibrahim Traoré, accuse the President of the transition in a press release read on national television. Accordingly, Paul-Henri Damiba is preparing a counter-offensive. In the same press release they formulate their demands. In particular, the fight against terrorism in the country. And the choice of partner states to ensure their security.
►Also read: Coup d’état in Burkina Faso: The question of Russian or French influence causes confusion