Burkina Faso Discharges Hundreds of Soldiers for Attempted Mutiny

Posted July 15th, 2011 at 1:10 am (UTC-5)
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Burkina Faso has dismissed 566 soldiers linked to a wave of mutiny attempts between April and last month.

An army official said Thursday, 217 soldiers are facing prosecution on charges of inciting public rowdiness, and failing to respect military duties.

The alleged attempted mutinies follow a trend of disorder in Burkina Faso this year.

The West African nation has seen a string of protests in recent months by soldiers, police, teachers and students.

The uprisings began in February with protests against rising food prices, crime and slow government reform.

Last month's protests mark the most significant uprising to date against the government of President Blaise Compaore, who has ruled the nation for nearly 25 years.

Mr. Compaore seized power in a 1987 coup and was re-elected to another term last November.