The President of Burkina Faso, Roch Kabore, has reportedly been detained by mutinying soldiers.
Some troops in the West African nation have demanded the sacking of military chiefs and more resources to fight Islamist militants. Gunfire was heard overnight near the presidential palace and at barracks in the capital, Ouagadougou.
The government on Sunday denied suggestions of a military coup or that the president was under arrest.
The president was detained at a military camp by mutinying soldiers, said foreign media reports.
Video from the capital appears to show armoured vehicles – reportedly used by the presidency – peppered with bullet holes and abandoned in the street.
Mobile internet services have been disrupted, though fixed-line internet and domestic wi-fi are working. Soldiers have also surrounded the state television headquarters and there was no live programming on Monday.
With no official comment from the military or the government, people are anxiously waiting for an official statement on the situation.
Leave a Reply