The President of Burkina Faso, Supreme Chief of the National Armed Forces, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo has released an official statement following reports of potential coup attempt on his government earlier today, Friday, 30th September, 2022.

A foreign journalist, Henry Wilkins, who happened to be on ground had been updating the world on the recent coup attempt in Burkina Faso, “Returned to Burkina Faso on Monday and now it seems another coup attempt could be under way. Gunfire in various parts of the city reported and national TV offline with the station allegedly surrounded by military. Going to take a drive and see what we can see…”, Wilkins tweeted earlier today via his verified twitter handle.

Returned to Burkina Faso on Monday and now it seems another coup attempt could be under way. Gunfire in various parts of the city reported and national TV offline with the station allegedly surrounded by military. Going to take a drive and see what we can see…

— Henry Wilkins (@Henry_Wilkins) September 30, 2022

He further tweeted that “military are blocking the Blvd Charles de Gaul behind the Prime Minister’s office. Most wearing face masks”, according to him, “Local police say they have no idea what is going on.”

“Also soldiers in ski masks blocking many of the government buildings to the West of Blvd Charles de Gaul, turning people away. Many people still going about their daily business, however.”

Clarifying the latest development, Faso President, Henri Sandaogo, in a post on the president’s office’s Facebook account, called on the citizens to remain calm in the face of certain information circulating especially on social media.

The President, however described the alleged coup attempt as “movement of mood” carried out by some elements of the national armed forces.

The full statement reads:

“The President of Faso, Supreme Chief of the National Armed Forces, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo DAMIBA, in view of the confused situation created as a result of a movement of mood by some elements of the national armed forces this Friday 30s September 2022 in Ouagadougou, invites the population to observe the utmost caution and to remain calm in the face of certain information circulating especially on social media.

“Negotiations are underway to bring back calm and serenity. The enemy attacking our country only wants the division between Burkinabe to accomplish his destabilization action.

“Let us stand united for the triumph of peace and security.