New Coup in Burkina Faso
A military group has taken control of Burkina Faso’s government in a coup, replacing the leader of a coup that took place in January.
On Friday, there were gunshots and explosions in the country’s capital, Ouagadougou. Masked soldiers blocked streets and attacked military bases. That evening, Captain Ibrahim Traore announced that he and his supporters had taken over. Captain Traore closed the country’s borders and suspended its constitution.
On Sunday, President Paul-Henri Damiba, who led January’s coup, resigned after getting Captain Traore to agree to seven demands. The demands included promising safety for Mr. Damiba and his supporters, and agreeing to hold elections by 2024. Mr. Damiba is now in Togo.
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A military group has taken control of Burkina Faso’s government in a coup, replacing the leader of a coup that took place in January. On Friday, Captain Ibrahim Traore (above, center) announced that he had taken over. Captain Traore closed the country’s borders and suspended its constitution.
The main cause of both coups is the country’s continuing fight against extreme Islamic rebels who are attacking the country. Mr. Damiba planned to push these rebels back after taking power, but the rebels actually grew more powerful.
Failure to stop the rebels has caused anger against France, which was helping to fight the rebels. Burkina Faso became independent of France in 1960. Now many people in the army seem eager for support from Russia.
Brazil Election for President Goes to a Runoff
Brazil’s election for president will go to a runoff vote, since no candidate earned 50% of the vote. Ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva led with 48.4% of the vote. Current president Jair Bolsonaro took 43.2% – much more than expected.
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Brazil’s election for president will go to a runoff vote, since no candidate earned 50% of the vote. Ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva led with 48.4% of the vote. Current president Jair Bolsonaro took 43.2%. Above, newspapers in Rio de Janeiro on Monday after the election.
The election is seen as one of Brazil’s most important elections ever. Mr. Bolsonaro and Mr. da Silva have very different ideas. Mr. da Silva has promised to create programs to help the poor and the environment. Mr. Bolsonaro, says he wants to make it easier for people to own guns and for companies to mine in the Amazon rainforest.
The runoff election is planned for October 30.
New Unity Party Wins Again in Latvia
Latvia’s ruling New Unity party earned the most votes in Saturday’s elections. Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins says the party will probably continue with its current minority coalition government.
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Latvia’s ruling New Unity party earned the most votes in Saturday’s elections. Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins says the party will probably continue with its current minority coalition government. Above, Mr. Karins speaks with reporters on Saturday.
Mr. Karins has been a strong voice against Russia since it attacked Ukraine. That’s likely to continue. Even though 25% of Latvians come from Russian backgrounds, no parties that supported Russia won seats in Parliament.
Complicated Elections in Bosnia
Bosnia’s elections on Sunday appear to have resulted in most of the same parties remaining in power. Bosnia is split into three different groups separated by background and religion: Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks. To keep the peace, many positions – including president – are shared among these groups.
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Bosnia’s elections on Sunday (above) seem to have led to most of the same parties remaining in power. The position of president is shared among leaders from three different groups. Two of the elected leaders for president agree on support for Ukraine. The third supports Russia.
Denis Becirovic won the Bosniak seat of the presidency; Zeljko Komsic won the Croat seat. Despite their differences, the two agree on support for Ukraine. The Serb seat of the presidency was won by Zeljka Cvijanovic. She’s from the SNSD party, a strong supporter of Russia.
Bulgaria – Winners With No Partners
Bulgaria’s GERB party won Sunday’s election with 25.3% of the vote. But GERB, which led Bulgaria for ten years up until 2021, faces a challenge: no other parties want to form a coalition with it.
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Bulgaria’s GERB party won Sunday’s election with 25.3% of the vote. But GERB, which led Bulgaria for ten years up until 2021, faces a challenge: no other parties want to form a coalition with it. Above, Ex-Prime Minister Boyko Borissov speaks with reporters on Tuesday.
Ex-Prime Minister Boyko Borissov says he’s trying to form a coalition, even if he’s not part of the new government. But many people believe Bulgaria will have to hold new elections.
Did You Know…?
Bulgaria has had four elections in the last two years.