Automatic weapon and heavy weapon fire at General Baba Sy's camp and Aboubacar Sangoulé Lamizana camp. The latter houses Maca, a military prison in which General Diendéré, former Chief of Staff of Blaise Compaoré sentenced for an attempted coup in 2015 and also prosecuted in connection with the assassination of the former President Thomas Sankara is imprisoned. The reasons for the shootings are unknown at this time.

Heavy gunfire could be heard from the main military camp in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou early on Sunday morning, a Reuters witness said.

The gunfire at the Sangoule Lamizana camp, which houses the army's general staff, began at least as early as 5:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) and could still be heard as of 6:30.

A Reuters reporter saw soldiers firing into the air in the camp.

A Government Spokesperson said he also heard gunfire and was seeking information.

Governments in West and Central Africa are on high alert for coups after successful putsches over the past 18 months in Mali and Guinea. The military also took over in Chad last year after President Idriss Deby died on the battlefield.

Burkinabe authorities arrested at least eight soldiers earlier this month on suspicion of conspiring against the government.

Rising violence in the West African country by Islamist militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State killed over 2,000 people last year, prompting violent street protests in November calling for President Roch Kabore to step down.

The Burkinabe government has suspended mobile internet service on several occasions, and the tense situation in November led the U.N. special envoy to West Africa to warn against any military takeover.

Information conveyed in social networks tends to make believe in a takeover by the army on this day January 23, 2022.

The Government while recognizing some shooting in certain barracks denies this information and calls on the population to remain calm. The Government reaffirms her confidence in our army which remains republican.

Strength and courage to our Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for Homeland Defense (VDP).

Confirmed: Internet has been disrupted in #BurkinaFaso from Sunday morning ~10 am. The incident comes amid reports of gunfire at military barracks and a possible coup.

The disruption is likely to limit coverage of events on the ground.

Governments in West and Central Africa are on high alert for coups after successful putsches over the past 18 months in Mali and Guinea. The military also took over in Chad last year after President Idriss Deby died on the battlefield.

Burkinabe authorities arrested at least eight soldiers earlier this month on suspicion of conspiring against the government.

Mutiny - I was detained briefly by soldiers mutinying at Ouagadougou's largest military camp - Sangoule Lamizana. They gave us a list of their demands and then released us after about 30 minutes. List of demands to follow...

Soldiers outside the Lamizana base fired warning shots in the air and trained loaded guns at myself and another journalist as we were passing on a motorbike. Confiscated cameras and motorbike and walked us inside the base.

Around 50 soldiers on the peripheries and inside the entrance of the base. They decided to use the opportunity to express their demands and released us.

Primary demands from the mutinying soldiers at Lamizana base were: Enough troops to fight terror groups linked to IS and AQ, hierarchy of the military and intelligence replaced, families of the dead and injured soldiers better taken care of.

The Spokesperson declined to be named.

Dear Stallions, the Nation renews its encouragement and support. Continue to draw on your resources of discipline and talent, and bring honour to the Nation this Sunday. RK #AFCON2021

Date: January 23, 2022

Location: Ouagadougou

Event: Protests and sporadic gunfire continue in Ouagadougou

Protests and sporadic gunfire continue in Ouagadougou. A large crowd has gathered near Camp Lamizana, prompting road closures.

American citizens throughout Burkina Faso are advised to minimize movement and continue to monitor all methods of communication, including media reporting/sources.

#BREAKING Protesters set fire to headquarters of Burkina Faso's ruling party (People's Movement for Progress).

Edugovv:
World war

Baawaa:
If it is for the betterment of the masses they should carry on

SarkinYarki:


It can never be for the betterment of masses