Another coup in Africa. Another call for sanctions

A military coup in the West African state of Burkina Faso, which has removed President Roche Kabore from power, has been met with concern by the international community.

The takeover has been described as having been triggered by similar factors to those behind the recent coup in neighbouring Mali, i.e., growing fears that the elected government was unable to support security forces in their fight against Al-Qaeda and Islamic State militants. It comes on the back of months of anti-government protests.

In Nigeria, the press has reported that lawmakers have condemned ‘the incessant coups in Africa, especially in the sub-Saharan region,’ urging its federal government to ‘strongly condemn the coups, impose strong sanctions and mobilise other nations and stakeholders to impose very extensive sanctions.’ There have also been calls for the United Nations to impose ‘total sanctions’ on the coup leaders both in Mali and Burkina Faso.

European Union High Representative Josep Borrell says the EU is watching the situation closely and has condemned the arrest and suspension of President Roche.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220126