Security fears grow after latest Burkina Faso coup

By SAM MEDNICK and ARSENE KABORE
Associated Press

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Concerns are mounting in Burkina Faso that the West African nation’s military latest coup will only further set back the fight against Islamic extremists. A group of military officers seized control of the state broadcaster late Friday to declare that there was a new leader in charge. The popularity of the man who overthrew the country’s president in January had sank over the past nine months as violence continued. Some observers say Friday’s developments will only further distract the military, allowing the jihadis to strengthen their grip on growing swaths of the once peaceful country. The extremist violence has displaced 2 million people in Burkina Faso.