Burkina Faso in lull following coup, violent protests

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) – Calm has prevailed in Burkina Faso since Monday morning after three tense days following a coup, witnesses told Anadolu Agency.

Several people confirmed that there was a lull across the country.

“Everything is calm in the city center. I haven’t seen any soldiers on the streets since the morning. The new school year has started for everyone, and all services — both public and private — are operational,” said Seraphin Sawadogo, a resident of the capital, Ouagadougou.

The West African country’s military staged a coup Friday against their former leader Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had been in charge of the transition since a January coup.

They appointed Capt. Ibrahim Traore as their new leader, accusing his predecessor of rapprochement with foreign forces against his country and for failing to pursue the objectives of the transition.

Damiba, the deposed leader, has not made any appearances since his overthrow. But according to religious and community mediators, he has agreed to resign under several conditions.

Togolese authorities on Monday afternoon confirmed the arrival of Damiba in Togo.

Damiba later released a video statement broadcast by local and international media confirming his presence in Togo.

He recounted the course of the military coup, saying that two military personnel close to him lost their lives and nine were injured during the takeover.

He said he had resigned as president of the transitional government and invited the new authorities “to remain patriotic and honest” and “to carry high the values” of the junta.