West African diplomat and four security sources have reported that Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore has been detained in a military camp by rebelling soldiers.
Kabore’s detention is coming after sustained gunfire rang out from military camps on Sunday night in the capital Ouagadougou with soldiers demanding more support for their fight against Islamist militants.
The President’s exact whereabouts were unknown on Monday morning, with conflicting reports circulating among security and diplomatic sources.
Kabore has faced waves of street protests in recent months as frustration has mounted over the frequent killing of civilians and soldiers by militants, some of whom have links to Islamic State and al Qaeda.
Armoured vehicles of the presidential fleet, riddled with bullets, could be seen near the President’s residence.
The government had however denied that the Army had seized power.
Meanwhile, residents of the president’s neighbourhood reported heavy gunfire overnight, saying three armoured vehicles and soldiers wearing balaclavas were stationed outside the headquarters of the state broadcaster.
