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Graphic shows militant groups in and around Burkina Faso.
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MILITARY

Burkina Faso coup d’état fears

By Duncan Mil

January 24, 2022 - The President of Burkina Faso, Roch Kaboré, has reportedly been detained by mutinying soldiers demanding the sacking of military chiefs and more resources to fight Islamist militants.

Gunfire had been heard overnight near the presidential palace and at barracks in Ouagadougou, the capital. Troops surrounded the state television headquarters on Monday.

The president’s location is unknown, but the AFP news agency quoted security sources saying that he and other government ministers are at the Sangoulé Lamizana barracks in the capital.

Islamist militants control swathes of the country and have forced residents in some areas to abide by their harsh version of Islamic law.

Protestors took to the streets of Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou on Saturday (January 22), calling for President Kaboré to resign and protesting against the government’s inability to stop almost daily armed attacks across the country.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 24/01/2022; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
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