Turkey ‘concerned’ over coup in Burkina Faso

ANKARA

Residents burn tires along a street in Ouagadougou on September 17, 2015, after Burkina Faso's presidential guard declared a coup, a day after seizing the interim president and senior government members, as the country geared up for its first elections since the overthrow of longtime leader Blaise Compaore. AFP photo

Ankara has voiced “concern” over a military coup in Burkina Faso, saying it “rejected interventions in politics” through methods that are not democratic.

“We consider that the coup, which is hampering the building of democracy in the country, has jeopardized the peace process in Burkina Faso and made the situation in the country more fragile. We call on all parties to avoid violence during this process,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement released late Sept. 17.

Presidential guards loyal to Burkina Faso’s toppled ex-leader, Blaise Compaoré, burst into a cabinet meeting on Sept. 16 and captured acting President Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Isaac Zida and two ministers. Gen. Gilbert Diendere, Compaoré’s former chief of staff, was appointed head of a governing council, which announced a night-time curfew and shut down the borders.

In 1987, Compaoré overthrew and murdered Burkinabe leader Thomas Sankara, who had attracted domestic and international acclaim for progressive policies including forward thinking on women’s rights and mass inoculations.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a travel warning for citizens, urging them to avoid travelling to Burkina Faso unless they are obliged to do so. 

The ministry provided telephone numbers of Turkey’s Embassy in Ouagadougou (+ 226 - 66 17 59 79) and the Consulate Call Center (+ 90 312 292 29 29) for Turkish citizens who are currently in Burkina Faso and require assistance.