Some of the people in Burkina Faso are asking what this military waltz at the country’s capital, Ouagadougou, is all about after being roused from sleep by the sound of heavy guns being fired.
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| [A new coup in Burkina Faso] |
On the final day of September, the people who live in Ouagadougou woke up to the sound of loud gunfire, and many of them asked the same question to themselves: “What else is going on? “Again,” since this is the second time in less than a year that the scenario has repeated itself following the January 24 coup that elevated troops to the head of Burkina Faso. “Again” comes from the fact that the coup occurred less than a year ago.
Since many hours ago, the situation has been unclear, and rumors and suspicions have been rife: “new coup,” according to some reports, “mutiny over financial claims,” according to others.
The communication department of the Presidency of the Republic produces a news release every day at noon with the intention of clearly obstructing the dissemination of incorrect information on social networks and even in certain of the media. According to the information included in the article, Mr. Damiba “in view of the perplexing situation produced by a shift of mood of some sections of the national military forces (…) asks the people to adopt the utmost prudence and to stay calm.” “Talks are ongoing to restore peace and tranquility,” he continues, underlining that “the adversary that assaults our nation only wants division amongst Burkinabè to complete its destabilizing action.” “The talks are underway to restore calm and serenity,” he says. In closing, he urges everyone to “let us stay together for the victory of peace and security.”
The Ouagalais between indifference and weariness
The calm and tranquility of the trader Mahamat Sampébogo is shown by the fact that he refuses, in contrast to the practices of other merchants, to place the key for his jewelry and necklace store beneath the doormat of the large market in Ouagadougou. “I made the decision to open since the sounds of arms have a tendency to become habits,” she said. It does not seem appropriate to me for those of us who live on a daily income to take refuge at home and deprive ourselves of our daily subsistence because those at the head of the country do not get along, he admits with a relaxed look on his face. “For us who live on daily income, it does not seem to me that it is appropriate to take refuge at home, to deprive ourselves of our daily subsistence because those
Adama Kabré, a dealer at the large market in Ouagadougou, says that there should be a greater level of seriousness in the handling of the current security problem, regardless of whether or not there is a coup. He goes on to say that it seems as if President Damiba has turned his back on the hopes and dreams of the people, who had a great deal of faith in him when he came to office. However, look at the way people are suffering. As an example, during this conflict, I was forced to say goodbye to four members of my huge family. “Some of them have abandoned their families, leaving behind women and children who need to be cared for, but it won’t be easy,” the man who is fifty years old confides. One idea, however, stands out to him as particularly important: political stability. “No one gains from political uncertainty,” she said.
An art dealer by the name of Issa Tapsoba had the same point of view. “I don’t know the causes for the shootings, but whatever, we will have to end up admitting that the quarrels at the top of the state will not lead us anything,” he bemoaned.
The fear of a new coup
“On social networks, some political actors treasured the dream of seeing this military dictatorship toppled,” an official who requested anonymity assesses the situation. “On social networks, certain political players cherished the goal of seeing this military administration overthrown.” On the other hand, I believe it stems from unconsciousness. Because everyone who is looking for political rewards today is ignorant of the position of the lower classes, notably the displaced, not to mention our enterprises, which are having trouble getting off the ground economically. Why is this the case? In light of these circumstances, and despite the challenges encountered by individuals in business, the nation has been successful in regaining the trust of some partners, who have pledged their assistance in supporting the transition until it is finished. Even while there remain areas of enemy resistance and terrible acts like the assault that attacked a supply convoy a few days ago in Djibo, on the security level there are still pockets of enemy resistance. According to the analysis of the clerk of the State, it is quite regretful to carry out a coup under these conditions.
In addition to this, I would like to add that “It is not an issue of person. In the same manner that his predecessor Roch Kaboré was qualified for the job at the time by being accused of all of Israel’s faults, it is argued that Damiba is not up to the role that was given to him in the same way. Let us declare as Burkinabe that in order to tackle the situation, we need togetherness and the ability to speak the same language. mainly due to the fact that these turbulent times are periods of indecision, which assist the adversary at the cost of the citizens. We can no longer allow ourselves the luxury of always giving it another go.
The head of the president of the transition claimed
Lionel Bilgo, a spokeswoman for the Burkinabe government, attempted to comfort people by saying, “It’s an internal situation in the army, and conversations are underway for a peaceful resolution,” after there had been a period of quiet from the power structure in Burkina Faso for many hours. He said that the conversation was still going on. According to him, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba “is with his guys and they are driving the talks.” The president’s name is Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.
Honoré Yonli, a member of a civil society group in Burkina called the alliance of young entrepreneurs of Burkina, did not wait for these answers. As he waited for the outcome of the events that had occurred earlier that day on Friday, he joined one hundred other protesters at the Place de la Nation in Ouagadougou, which is the epicenter of protest movements and is located directly across from a barracks. Together, they demanded that President Damiba step down from his position. Someone, somewhere, is not carrying out their responsibilities. Otherwise, it is incomprehensible how the administration of authority by a soldier in the midst of a crisis could ever be inferior than that of a civilian, according to his reasoning. “Starting afresh is not too much of a burden if change takes place and we eventually arrive at a place of calm.”