January 25, 2022
1 min read

Burkina Faso President tweets to lay down arms

Amid ongoing unrest and a coup in Burkina Faso, a tweet was sent out by President Roch Kabore’s official account calling on the army to lay down arms and to safeguard democratic achievements…reports Asian Lite News

“Our nation is going through difficult times. At this precise moment, we must safeguard our democratic achievements. I invite those who have taken up arms to lay them down in the higher interests of the nation. It is through dialogue and listening that we must resolve our contradictions,” read the tweet posted on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, Burkina Faso’s Army said that it had ousted President Kabore, suspended the Constitution, dissolved the government and the national assembly, and closed the country’s borders.

Kabore has been detained and taken to a military camp following the mutiny, a security source has confirmed.

Also in the day, the ruling party of Burkina Faso, People’s Movement for Progress (PMP) announced that the President survived a “failed assassination attempt”.

On Sunday, a nationwide curfew was imposed in Burkina Faso, following reports of gunfire in some barracks in the morning.

Another statement, from the Minister of National Education, announced the closure of schools on Monday and Tuesday.

Gunshots were heard early Sunday morning in barracks in the capital Ouagadougou and other cities. The government confirmed the gunfire but had denied reports on social media about an army takeover.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has condemned the coup and called on the military to “ensure the protection and the physical integrity” of Kabore.

ALSO READ: Burkina Faso President detained by mutinous soldiers

The African Union and regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States, have also condemned the forceful takeover of power, with the latter saying it holds the soldiers responsible for the deposed President’s well-being.

The coup camea week after 11 soldiers were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow Kabore.

Burkina Faso is now the third West African country to witness a military takeover in recent years.

Guinea and Mali have had sanctions imposed on them by Ecowas to press them to return to constitutional order.

Previous Story

India rushes relief to tsunami-hit Tonga

Next Story

NATO puts forces on standby as fears of Russian invasion of Ukraine rise

Latest from AFRICA NEWS

UK-East Africa trade forum to kickstart investment

UK hosts first-ever forum dedicated to trade and investment with East Africa, including announcements on cross-border trade and electric motorbikes The UK has announced two investments in East Africa to de-risk cross-border

‘South Africa acting under Chinese pressure’

Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung accused South Africa of resorting to “little tricks” under Chinese pressure since last year, alleging that Pretoria has been systematically trying to alter the standing

Militants kill at least 23 in Nigeria attack

Nigeria has been grappling with a long-running insurgency in its northeast, primarily driven by the Islamist armed group Boko Haram and its offshoot, Daesh West Africa Province At least 23 farmers and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Armed forces sign Dh20bn deals

On the third day of the Dubai Airshow 2021, the

Aswan Forum kicks off in Cairo

The meet focus on multidimensional crises in Africa. The two-day