Military Coup in Burkina Faso: President, PM Safe

Military in Burkina Faso has taken over the reins of the country. It confirmed the military coup in Burkina Faso stating the President and the Prime Minister are safe. The coup has taken place just three weeks before the national elections. Military made an announcement on national television and radio that transitional government in the country has dissolved. A day before members of the elite presidential guard unit of the military arrested the transitional president and prime minister, reported Al Jazeera.

Guards detained interim President Michel Kafando and other government ministers during the raid in the capital Wednesday, reported CNN. However, their location remained uncertain. Demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace in the capital, Ouagadougou, on Thursday in apparent opposition to the takeover.

UN and the US condemned the act which installed General Gilbert Dienderen as the new leader. General is known to be loyal to ousted former president Blaise Compaore. The US made a statement that it will review its foreign relations with Burkina Faso in the wake of new developments in the country. France also expressed its concern over the new state of events as Burkina Faso was under its colonial rule. Burkina Faso still hosts French special forces and serves as an important ally to the United States in its fight against Islamic militants in West Africa.

Earlier in October last year, President Blaise Compaore was ousted in a popular uprising. He was trying to prolong his 27-year rule but failed. Interim President Mihel Kafando and Prime Minister were instated to run the transitional government. New national elections were to be held three weeks from now which were intercepted by the militia, reported The Guardian.

Currently the country is witnessing violence and unrest on the streets and presidential guard opened fire with live ammunition to disperse the crowd.