Burkina Faso’s presidential guard unit, the former security team for former President Blaise Compaore, has declared that it had taken over power in the country.

The coup plotters said they had immediately stripped the interim president of his functions and dissolved both the transition government and the National Transition Council, and they would hold “wide-ranging talks” to form a government that will organise “inclusive and peaceful elections”.

They have also closed the country’s borders until further notice. On Wednesday, the guard unit burst into a cabinet meeting and arrested President Michel Kafando and his cabinet. Kafando was chosen as interim president last October after the ousting of Compaore.

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has condemned in the strongest terms this coup d’etat. Ban reiterated that all Burkinabé officials under detention must be released immediately and demanded the resumption of the country’s political transition, in accordance with Burkina Faso’s Constitution and Transitional Charter.

Ban also deplored the violence in the country and called on Burkinabé defence and security forces to exercise restraint and ensure respect for the human rights and security of all Burkinabé citizens. “Those responsible for the coup d’etat and its consequences must be held accountable,” said the statement on Thursday.

The African Union for its part has threatened Burkina Faso with sanctions unless power was handed over to civilians, and an agreement was reached on a transitional period in the run-up to elections due in November. – SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua