Published on: 02/10/2022 – 12:37 Modified on: 02/10/2022 – 14:04
The political situation therefore remains rather uncertain this Sunday, October 2 in Burkina Faso, almost 48 hours after what has been portrayed as the second coup in eight months. The country still has a new strongman at its helm, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who spoke yesterday, as did the one he sacked, Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Damiba.
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With our special correspondent in Ouagadougou, Sidi Yansane
The captain Ibrahim Traore who led the coup was on national television this morning. 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. We are therefore awaiting a new announcement from Captain Ibrahim Traoré on the national antennas.
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.
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