ECOWAS reacts to Burkina Faso coup

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reiterated its steadfast opposition to any appropriation or maintenance of power through unlawful means and demands strict adherence to the timeline already established with the transitional authorities for a prompt restoration of constitutional order no later than July 1, 2024.

It also issued a warning to any institution, force, or group of persons whose actions would obstruct the scheduled restoration of constitutional order or jeopardize regional peace and stability.

Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the country’s coup leader became president, was toppled by soldiers on Friday, September 30, according to the official television, which was taken over by soldiers.

Capt. Ibrahim Traore has been named the new military chief of Burkina Faso, according to a statement read by a junta spokesman.

Capt. Traore announced that the country’s borders had been shut down and that a curfew would be in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Additionally, the national assembly and transitional government were abolished.

The ECOWAS Commission stated in a statement that it strongly denounced the incident at a time when the Sandaogo Damiba-led junta was working for a peaceful return to constitutional order by July 1st, 2024.