BURKINA FASO: Coup Leader Refuses To Step Down After Military Ultimatum, Promises To Fight Back If Attacked

Burkina Faso's coup leader has defied an ultimatum to step down, saying his forces will retaliate if
attacked.

Army chiefs had given Gen Gilbert Diendere a 10:00 GMT deadline to surrender or face an assault.

The army has ordered anti-coup protesters in the capital, Ouagadougou, to return home, amid fears of fighting.

Gen Diendere seized power last week with the backing of the presidential guard, but the army has remained loyal to the deposed government.

Its troops have entered the capital, vowing to retake it. The European Union (EU) has called on the presidential guard to immediately lay down their weapons to avoid bloodshed.