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Soldiers Mutiny Against the Government in Burkina Faso
April 20, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On April 14, BBC News reported that soldiers in Burkina Faso opened fire in the country’s presidential compound. According to Reuters, President Blaise Compaore’s security regiment was then joined by two additional regiments, which then took to the capital city of Ouagadougou and fired into the houses of higher-ranking army officers, including the former head of the army, the country’s defense minister and the former chief of the army.

Hostilities in the landlocked West African country have been simmering for a long time since student uprisings against police brutality began in early February 2011. AFP reports that soldiers called for their daily subsistence allowance to be increased from $2.60 USD to $3 USD, and for the military hierarchy to be dismantled. Previously, Compaore tried to curtail the unrest by dissolving the government and removing the country's security chiefs.

In an effort to satisfy soldier demands, on April 18, Compaore appointed former Ambassador to France, Luc-Adolphe Tiao, as the country’s a new prime minister. Additionally, Compaore ousted 24 ministers and stated that he would also serve as defense minister.

AFP reported that a day after Compaore set up a new government 34 opposition parties called for a massive rally to be held in the capital on April 30. "We are calling all the Burkinabe people to a large demonstration in Ouagadougou to say to Compaore that the people are tired of him," opposition leader Benewende Stanislas Sankara said. Furthermore he added, "We think that it is time to make the regime understand that the people need change." Sankara was twice defeated by Compaore in 2005 and 2010 presidential elections.

The New York Times reports fractures between the military's top and bottom echelons have widened, as lower-ranked officers feel they receive few of the benefits of their superiors. Meanwhile, shop-keepers and business owners in Ouagadougou added their voice to the anger after their properties were looted or destroyed during the riots. The government has promised to allocate money for damaged property.

On April 20, the United States Department of State issued a travel warning for Burkina. The report states that the Burkinean Government “has not yet been able to restore complete control, and the overall situation remains tense and unpredictable.”

For previous news on Burkina Faso, please see:
President Blaise Compaore Wins Burkina Faso Presidential Election 

Sources:
BBC News – Burkina Faso: Mutiny at President Compaore barracks

Reuters – Burkina Faso cotton growers protest low prices

New York Times – Mayor’s Home Burned as Burkina Faso Protests Continue

U.S. State Department –Travel Warning for Burkina Faso

AFP – Burkina opposition calls anti-president demo