The authorities of Burkina denies army takeover after billet gunfire. According to Residents in Burkina Faso’s capital, incidents of gunfire took place late on Sunday, January 23, in the same area as embattled President Roch Marc Christan Kabore’s home. Hours later, rebellious soldiers seized control of a military base in the capital, Ouagadougou.
According to Burkina Faso’s government, after exchanging gunfire at several army barracks, they will not have control over the country. The barracks, consisting of two barracks, one in Ouagadougou, amid growing tensions over the government failing to prevent the attacks by the armed groups.
Government officials aimed to reassure people that the situation was under their control even after exchanging gunfire at multiple barracks. Unfortunately, the government failed to prevent attacks by armed groups, which created growing frustration among the citizens.
Several residents said that they heard the noise of gunfire, and helicopters were hovering overhead. Even one army man said heavy fighting was underway near the presidential palace. This claim could not immediately be independently corroborated.
The turmoil at Sangoule Lamizana camp, which houses the army’s general staff and prison, including soldiers involved in a failed 2015 coup attempt, began as early as 5 am on January 23 Sunday.
After some hours, local people saw firing into the air in the camp. However, the witness also reported gunfire at a military camp in Kaya about 62 miles north of Ouagadougou. Moreover, shots were also heard at another military camp in the southern capital, at an airbase near the airport, as per the military.
While speaking on national television on January 23, Defence Minister General Simpore denied the rumours that Kabore had been in detention and said the motive behind the gunfire is still not clear.
“The head of the state has not been detained even no institution of the country has been endangered,” said Simpore. He added that we don’t know what they want to do and what they want, but we are still trying to get in touch with them.
The unrest came after a day when the clashes happened between police and demonstrations.