By Jacob Kubeka –
Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has warned the military in Burkina Faso against any attempt to oust the democratically elected government, amid reports of a possible coup.
In a statement issued Sunday evening, Ecowas said it is in solidarity with the government of President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, and urged the military to respect it as the democratic authority.
The statement issued by the Ecowas Commission also urged the government to engage in dialogue with soldiers reported to have taken over military barracks across the country, in what has been described as an act of mutiny.
“Ecowas calls for calm and expresses solidarity with President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, the government and people of Burkina Faso,” the statement said.
The situation began with reports of shooting in the early hours of Sunday in at least two military barracks in the capital Ouagadougou and elsewhere in the country.
Local media reports cited residents saying heavy gunfire had been heard at the Guillaume Ouédraogo and Sangoulé Lamizana military camps as well as at the air base in the capital city since 5am on Sunday. Gunfire was also reported in the city of Kaya in the north-central part of the country.
The situation prompted rumors of a coup, which was repeatedly denied by government officials.
Later, reports quoted some of the mutinous soldiers saying they were dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the security crisis in the country.
The soldiers have since reportedly issued a series of demands, including provision of adequate resources by the government to enable the military respond to the security situation.