Everything you should know about the military coup in Burkina Faso

The new authorities, calling themselves the National Counsel for Democracy, have sealed the boarders of the country, cancelled flights, and imposed a curfew on citizens.

The powerful presidential guard has repeatedly got involved in politics since Compaore was toppled in a popular uprising in October past year .

Deadly violent protests erupted early yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, sequel to the coup staged on Wednesday by officers of the Presidential Guard in Burkina Faso.

In his announcement, Lt-Col Bamba said wide-ranging talks were being held to form a new interim government that would organise “peaceful and inclusive elections”.

The power grab, which violated the country’s constitution, was quickly condemned by French president Francois Hollande, who called for the immediate release of interim President MIchel Kafando and Prime Minister Isaac Zida.

The move came two days after a commission charged with drafting reforms for Burkina Faso’s transitional government proposed dismantling the elite unit.

The Burkina Faso military in a TV broadcast on Thursday said it had stripped President Kafando of his functions and dissolved the government.

A close ally of the former Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore lead a coup which has effectively deposed the executive leadership of the country yesterday.

“The RSP’s countless disruptions are a serious attack on the Republic and its institutions”, interim parliament leader Moumina Cheriff Sy said in a statement, confirming the military’s reports.

France, a former colonial power, has condemned the military coup in the west African nation and urged its residents in the country to stay indoors.

Protesters took to the streets to protest the military takeover amid reports 10 people had been shot dead by the presidential guards.

In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, the general said the scheduled October 11 election date was too soon.

The announcment comes after AP reported that armed forces personnel assigned to protect the president had arrested the transitional head of state and prime minister. While Burkina Faso has largely been spared from extremist violence, a Romanian national was abducted in April, and a Mali-based jihadi group claimed responsibility.