Protesters chanted, "Release the hostages" outside the presidential palace.
Protesters chanted, “Release the hostages” outside the presidential palace.
Image: Reuters/Joe Penney
Demonstrators near the presidential palace on Sept. 16th.
Demonstrators near the presidential palace on Sept. 16th.
Image: AP Photo/Theo Renaut

Burkina Faso, whose name translates as “land of honest men,” is one of the poorest countries in the world but has begun to see its potential over the past decade. GDP growth has averaged around 7% over the past five years. It has the world’s third-largest reserves of gold. Observers hoped elections in October would help cement political transformation in the country after decades of political coups, and a mix of military and constitutional rule since independence in 1960.

People on motor bikes used as taxi's drive around after demonstrations near the presidential palace as soldiers arrested Burkina Faso’s transitional president and prime minister in Ouagadougou.
People on motor bikes used as taxi’s drive around after demonstrations near the presidential palace as soldiers arrested Burkina Faso’s transitional president and prime minister in Ouagadougou.
Image: AP Photo/Theo Renaut

The African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have both condemnend the coup. Stephanie Wolters, an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies in Johannesburg, suggests to Quartz that intervention is possible, especially since ECOWAS has been involved in assisting the country during its transition process. “The AU is not hamstrung,” she said. “Both the AU and ECOWAS do not allow an unconstitutional change of power, they have the tools in place to intervene.”

Protesters chant slogans against the presidential guard in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Protesters chant slogans against the presidential guard in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on Sept. 16th.
Image: Reuters/Joe Penney

 

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