Burkina Faso military dissolves government, confirms coup

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso’s presidential guard on Thursday morning announced the dissolution of the country’s transitional government after arresting interim President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Isaac Zida on Wednesday evening in a military base.

According to a statement read on the country’s national radio and television on Thursday by a member of the presidential guard, Commander Aziz Korogho is now ruling the country under a new National Democratic Council, proclaiming a de facto coup.

The statement also denounced mismanagement of the transitional government and the arrest of former officials from Blaise Compaore’s regime.

The statement also announced the establishment of a national unity government that will lead to the organization of “inclusive” elections in Burkina Faso.

This is not the first time that the elite presidential guard units attempt to take power.

Last June, Zida had to divert his plane to Ouagadougou Military Airport as he returned from an official visit to Taiwan to escape being arrested by the presidential guard.

Last year, Burkina Faso’s President Blaise Compaore bowed to massive street protests calling on him to resign.

Former Burkinabe foreign minister Michel Kafando was then appointed interim president for one year.

Kafando later announced that the presidential and legislative elections, due to complete the country's transition, will take place on Oct. 11.