OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso
Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Burkina Faso’s capital Tuesday in a show of support for the new military-led junta that ousted democratically elected President Roch Marc Christian Kabore and seized control of the country.
Days
of gunfire and uncertainty in Ouagadougou ended Monday evening when
more than a dozen soldiers on state media declared that the country is being
run by their new organization, the Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and
Restoration.
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“Today’s
events mark a new era for Burkina Faso. They are an opportunity for all the
people of Burkina Faso to heal their wounds, to rebuild their cohesion and to
celebrate what has always made us who we are: integrity,” said Capt. Sisdore
Kaber Ouedraogo.
On Tuesday, Ouagadougou was packed with people cheering, singing and dancing and there were reports of celebrations in other parts of the country. The coup came after several demonstrations were held against the Kabore government which was criticized for its ineffective response to Islamic extremist violence.
“I’m
happy to be here this morning to support the junta in power. We wish that
terrorism be eradicated in the months or the years to come,” said Salif Kientga
who was at the rally in the capital.
ALSO READ: Burkina Faso soldiers declares another military take over in West Africa
Some
supporters waved Malian and Burkina Faso flags and held up photos of Mali’s
junta ruler, Col. Assimi Goita, beside Burkina Faso’s new leader, Lt. Col. Paul
Henri Sandaogo Damiba, saying that military rule was the only way to pull both
countries out of crisis. Others chanted “Down with ECOWAS,” the West African
regional bloc that recently sanctioned Mali for delaying elections and which
has also condemned the military takeover in Burkina Faso.
The
junta closed the borders, imposed a curfew, suspended the constitution and
dissolved the government and parliament and said it would return Burkina Faso
to constitutional order, but did not specify when. The soldiers said the
overthrown president is safe, but did not reveal where he is being held. A
publicly circulated resignation letter signed by Kabore said that he was
quitting his office in the best interest of the country. - AP
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