African Union condemns military takeover

Burkina Faso’s neighbours have condemned Friday’s apparent coup, saying it was “inappropriate” for army rebels to seize power when the country was working towards civilian rule.

Regional group Ecowas and the African Union said ousting leader Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba was “unconstitutional”.

This is the second time this year the country’s army has seized power.

Both times, the coups’ leaders said they had to step in because national security was so dire.

Burkina Faso controls as little as 60% of its territory, experts say, and Islamist violence is worsening.

Since 2020 more than a million people have been displaced in the country due to the violence.