Burkina Faso’s president, prime minister, and several ministers were taken hostage yesterday at a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace in the capital, Ouagadougou. This apparent coup is being led by the presidential guard who is a close ally of the former president, Blaise Compaore.
Last year, Compaore’s term was to be up after he had held the presidency for 27 years. When it looked like he was going to change the laws again to continue to stay in power, the people protested and ousted him from the presidency.
A temporary, transitional government was then put into place until an election in October. Some believe Compaore’s supporters saw the need to act before then, hence the reason for this detainment.
Alliance workers in the country are safe and report no witness yet of violence, though demonstrations are taking place in Bobo and Ouagadougou. The people of Burkina, in general, want the election to proceed and are furious with this takeover.
The U.S. Embassy has recommended all American citizens shelter in place, which is what Alliance workers are doing. The coup forces have imposed travel restrictions in and out of the country.
Pray
Pray for peace in Burkina Faso and safety for our workers. Pray for Alliance churches in Burkina to discern their roles in all this, whether praying, encouraging, or serving as agents of peace in the midst of conflict.