Update

Dear Friends, we are writing from Fada N’Gourma, ‪#‎burkinafaso‬ where the military has taken over the country through a coup that has not been entirely bloodless. On Wednesday evening, shortly after the Interim President and his entire cabinet were taken hostage, protesters stormed the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in outrage that their transition government and fair democratic elections that were only 3 weeks away had been dissolved. 10 civilians were killed and 60 injured. Omega radio station was burned, two journalists were beaten and the national media was taken off the air. This coup seemed to be well planned as they schooled off the Arab Spring and took out the country’s communications infrastructure preventing mass social mobilization and action. On Thursday, borders and airport were closed and a general strike was observed. The national TV network resumed with a military representative reading a statement saying the military had seized control and would work toward an all inclusive election (referring to the obstruction of the CDP party to put forth a representative in the upcoming general election. CDP was barred from participating because it is the party of the former Burkina President Blaise Compoare, who was toppled in a popular uprising last October after 27 years of oppressive rule.) France, the US, the African Union, the UN and the entire international community has spoken out against the military takeover. Today Presidents of Senegal and Benin are headed to Ouaga to mediate and negotiate the release of the now former President Michel Kafando and members of his cabinet. The situation in Fada is quiet and BARKA staff is all safe. We have been without internet for two days but are now connected through cellphone. We will keep you informed of any major new developments. Thank you for your support at this tense and sad time.