Burkina Faso's military junta confirmed a second coup on national television late Friday that toppled the now-previous leader in power since January.
An army officer read a statement that announced the ouster of Lieut. Col. Paul-Henri Damiba, the military president of the transition, and introduced Capt. Ibrahim Traore as his successor.
Coup confirmed in Burkina Faso as army Captain Ibrahim Traore leads removal of military govt- the country’s interim president and January 2022 coup leader Lt-General Paul-Henri Damiba has been removed from office.
— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) September 30, 2022
This is the country’s 2nd coup this year. pic.twitter.com/tnfRJVW195
The new junta also announced the suspension of the Constitution, dissolution of state institutions and the closure of borders until further notice.
"All political activity, all civil society activity is suspended, the nation's active forces will be convened," according to coup leaders.
The army instituted a nationwide curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time.
The announcement comes hours after conflicting reports early Friday that was accompanied by gunfire around the presidency and a military camp in Ouagadougou, the nation’s capital.
Gunshots heard in Burkina Faso's capital city Ouagadougou following coup announcement https://t.co/djDGroW4j9
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) October 1, 2022
Damiba took power in January against Roch Marc Kabore, blaming him for failing to secure the country in the grip of terrorism.
From Thursday to Friday, the population held demonstrations to demand his departure for the same reasons that encouraged the current coup.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
