Gunmen have launched attacks in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, with the French embassy and a military HQ among the apparent targets.

Concentrating minds?
Analysis by Lamine Konkobo, BBC Afrique There have been rumours of an attack in Burkina Faso for some time, and these even prompted a recent security forces reshuffle. But this is far bigger than what most people had expected. An attack on the military headquarters strikes at the heart of Burkina Faso’s security establishment, while the French embassy is normally one of the safest places in the capital. Since Emmanuel Macron came to power, France has been trying to mobilise its former colonies in West Africa, and the United Nations, to tackle the Islamist militant groups which operate in the Sahel region south of the Sahara. But, so far, progress has been slow. This attack may concentrate some people’s minds.Earlier, pictures from the scene showed a cloud of black smoke rising into the sky. Witnesses reported seeing armed men getting out of a car and opening fire before heading towards the embassy. Ouagadougou Mayor Armand Béouindé told France’s Le Monde newspaper that the attackers shot at the town hall and his office windows were shattered. “Apparently, it is a jihadist attack,” he said, but gave no further details.
