The United States Government expresses ‘deep concern’ about the events happening in Burkina Faso, which now turned into a military coup d’état (coup).
“We note that military officers have asserted that they have dissolved the government and national assembly and suspended the constitution. We are also deeply concerned by reports of the January 23 detention of Burkina Faso’s President, Roch Marc Kaboré, by members of Burkina Faso’s military,” said Ned Price, Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department.
“We condemn these acts and call on those responsible to deescalate the situation, prevent harm to President Kaboré and any other members of his government in detention, and return to civilian-led government and constitutional order”.
“We acknowledge the tremendous stress on Burkinabé society and security forces posed by ISIS and JNIM but urge military officers to step back, return to their barracks, and address their concerns through dialogue. The United States is closely monitoring this fluid situation, and we call for restraint by all actors as we carefully review the events on the ground for any potential impact on our assistance,” he said during his press briefing on Monday.
It is reported over the weekend that Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba who was appointed to be in charge of security in the capital of Burkina Faso has become the leader of the Sunday military coup. After overthrowing President Roch Kabore, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri on Monday has now declared himself as President of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (MPSR), which since Monday has been ruling the west African country.
Since 2020 Burkina Faso is the third country next to Mali and Niger to remove its leader through military coup.