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Shots heard at Burkina Faso state TV

Written By blogger on Sunday, November 2, 2014 | 8:19 AM

Burkina Faso's state TV has gone off air shortly after gunshots were heard at its headquarters.

Witnesses told the BBC soldiers fired in the air to disperse protesters before forcing journalists to flee.

Elsewhere in the capital, Ouagadougou, soldiers cleared thousands of demonstrators from a city square and barricaded the area.

The army seized power on Friday after long-time leader Blaise Compaore quit following days of protests.

The takeover brought global condemnation and prompted further protests.

Many thousands had gathered at various places around Ouagadougou on Sunday to demonstrate against the army.

The BBC's Laeila Adjovi in Ouagadougou says crowds gathered at the state TV headquarters because they believed opposition leader Saran Sereme was about to announce that she was willing to lead the transition.

Shortly after she arrived, gunfire broke out and both staff and protesters fled.

Opposition leader Saran Sereme adjusts her headscarf as she visits the national television headquarters in Ouagadougou on November 2 Opposition figure Saran Sereme arrived at state TV just before gunshots were heard
Journalists flee the national television headquarters as gunshots are fired around the premises in Ouagadougou on November 2 Dozens fled, some later complaining that soldiers had beaten them
Troops stand guard outside the national television headquarters in Ouagadougou on November 2 Soldiers took control of state TV offices shortly after the gunfire

Mass protests first erupted last week when long-time leader Mr Compaore attempted to extend his time in office.

Parts of parliament building were set on fire, and the president fled to Ivory Coast.

Analysts say high prices, low wages and persistent poverty have fuelled discontent, particularly among younger Burkinabes.


Shots heard at Burkina Faso state TV

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