Burkina Faso’s coup leaders have yet to say whether they will install a civilian or military leader after ousting President Roch Kabore, who has since formally resigned. In an exclusive interview with VOA, US ambassador to Burkina Faso Sandra Clark says Washington could cut support for Burkina Faso if the military establishes its leader.
In the exclusive interview, Ambassador Clark said that the United States is monitoring the situation closely.
“We are evaluating incidents on the ground for any impact on our aid. This is a very fluid situation and things are developing. I will note that US law needs to be reviewed and supported in those cases.” Possible suspension is required where a democratic government is removed by unconstitutional means,” she told the VOA.
The junta has yet to announce whether it plans to install a military or a civilian president as the new ruler. If a civilian is selected, it could mean continuation of support from the United States, which has provided counter-terrorism training to Burkinabe troops, as well as funding.
Ambassador Clark says America would like to see democratic rule restored.
“We have called for the immediate release of President Cabore and other government officials and the return of civilian-led government and constitutional order, and we urge all parties to remain calm and negotiate to address grievances,” he said. expressed.
Burkina Faso is locked in a six-year conflict with armed groups linked to Islamic State, al-Qaeda and local bandits. The military has suffered significant defeats for the groups in recent months.
France also has a special forces unit stationed in the country and provides air and intelligence support to the Burkinabe army.
Meanwhile, there is widespread agreement among Burkinabes that the status quo needs to be changed with the country’s existing military partners.
More than 1,000 people attended a demonstration Tuesday in the capital, Ouagadougou. Speakers called for Russian military support, which has happened in neighboring Mali in recent weeks.
Alexander Ivanov, the official representative of Russian military trainers in the Central African Republic, issued a statement on Tuesday offering training to the Burkinabe army.
European Council on Foreign Relations analyst Andrew Lebovic was asked by the VoA why support for Russian intervention is increasing.
He replied, “As anti-French sentiment has grown, doubts have risen and as people become concerned and frustrated with the security situation, whether or not the blame has fallen on the existing partners, on traditional partners.”
Nothing else has been said about the whereabouts of former President Kabore, who was arrested by the military on Monday.
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