Burkina Faso president detained by mutinous soldiers

Correction: This story was updated to specify that Capt. Sidsoré Kader Ouedraogo is the spokesperson of the military junta, not the leader.

Burkina Faso’s military on Monday said it has seized control of the country after it reportedly detained President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.

Speaking on state television, Capt. Sidsoré Kader Ouedraogo, a spokesperson for the declared military junta, said security forces have deposed Kaboré, suspended the country’s constitution, dissolved the government and closed the country’s borders, according to France24.

The military’s statement was made in the name of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (MPSR), a previously unheard of entity.

“MPSR, which includes all sections of the army, has decided to end President Kaboré’s post today,” the statement said, according to France24.

The People’s Movement for Progress (MPP), Kaboré’s political party, denounced the military’s actions in a statement on Monday, condemning what began as a mutiny that has now progressed into a coup.

The MPP accused the military of aborting an attempted assassination of Kaboré and a minister, taking over the national media and ransacking Kaboré’s private residence.

“People of Burkina Faso, our democracy is in danger. We are witnessing a decline of our country in its vital fundamentals,” the party said, accusing the military of having “ulterior motives.”

One soldier speaking to The Associated Press said Kaboré has submitted his resignation.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a statement that the U.N. head “strongly condemns” the military’s actions.

“He calls on the coup leaders to lay down their arms and to ensure the protection of the physical integrity of the President and of the institutions of Burkina Faso,” said Dujarric.

“The Secretary-General calls on all actors to exercise restraint and opt for dialogue,” he continued. “The United Nations reiterates its full commitment to the preservation of the constitutional order and reaffirms its support to the people of Burkina Faso in their efforts to find solutions to the multifaceted challenges facing the country.”

Soldiers in Burkina Faso have become increasingly angry with the country’s government over what they believe to be a lack of support as they battle Islamist extremists in the country’s northern and eastern regions.

Since at least 2015, groups affiliated with the the Islamic State and al Qaeda have targeted Burkina Faso’s gold mines, leading to thousands of deaths and more than a million people being displaced.

Over the weekend, soldiers took over military bases in Burkina Faso, demanding that Kaboré be removed from office. At the time, Kaboré’s whereabouts were unknown.

Speaking to the AP on Sunday, a representative for the Burkina Faso military said they wanted better working conditions, more manpower and new leadership, as well as better care for their wounded and the family members of soldiers who are killed.

A member of the Burkina Faso government said at the time that discussions with the military were underway, though it now appears that those efforts have been abandoned.

—Updated Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 5:43 p.m.