Several hours after another coup scare in Burkina Faso, the government has yet to provide details.
On Friday morning, heavy gunfire was heard near the main military camp and residential areas of Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou. A huge explosion also resounded near the presidential palace.
Several highways in the capital have been cordoned off by uniformed officials and national television has been cut off.
Although the whereabouts of former coup leader turned president Paul Damiba were not immediately known, a statement from his government on Facebook urged people to remain calm. al-jazeera informed.
“Negotiations are underway to restore calm and serenity,” Al Jazeera quoted a statement attributed to the presidential spokesman. “The enemy who attacks our country only wants division among the Burkinabe.”
Burkina Faso, in January, experienced a coup that brought Mr. Damiba to power.
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There are suspicions that Friday’s incident could be a backlash as the shootings occurred on the eve of a demonstration in Bobo-Dioulasso, the country’s second largest city. The protesters call for the departure of Mr. Damiba.
Two days ago, the Burkina Faso government announced that at least 11 soldiers were killed and 50 civilians were missing after fighters attacked a 150-vehicle military-escorted convoy carrying supplies to a northern city.
In a statement on Tuesday, the government said the assault took place on Monday in Gaskinde commune in Soum province, where armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) have intensified attacks and seized territory since 2015.