Mutiny

I have to admit that it happened. I panicked about what is happening in Burkina. Somewhere between reports of the government being dissolved on friday, and continued mutiny throughout the weekend, I lost it. Blame it on emotions, or stress, or a combination thereof, whatever it was it caused my head to be somewhere else.  I struggled to think of anything else. So here's the lowdown. 

For most, the dismissal of Compaoré's government was a sign of great distress. And I wouldn't suggest this should be understood to be any different, however this doesn't breed full understanding. The president dismisses his government following every election. As such, in isolation, this dismissal shouldn't be considered cause for great concern but only in the context of the past month's events. 

Friday to saturday night the military continued demonstrations in Ouagadougou. The reports appear all too common: shooting, looting & car theft. There are conflicting reports of what ouagadougou was like during the night. While some expats some reported the experience to be "terrifying", others suggested they aren't fearful and that life has simply established a new normal. A new dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed in Ouagadougou from the hours of 19h to 6am. Saturday morning angry shop keepers lit buildings in Ouagadougou on fire. One of these buildings included the ruling party's headquarters. 

Sunday Ouagadougou was reported to be calm, while protests have commenced in Pô and Tenkodogo. Pô, a town on the Ghanian border, is the home of military training camps for Burkina. The explanation for protests in all three cities is unpaid dues for Burkinabé military that participated in the war in Ivory Coast.