Michel Kafando

Soldiers leave capital, Burkina Faso returns to calm

Residents lined up at gas stations and money machines Thursday. Many went early to buy sheep at the market for slaughter in celebration of Eid al-Adha, known here as Tabaski, one of Islam's most important holidays.

During prayers, Muslim leader Aboubakar Sana called for peace and dialogue that will lead to free and fair elections. October elections were postponed in the wake of the coup, and have not yet been officially rescheduled.

Gunfire breaks out in Burkina Faso capital amid coup fears

Hours later, gunfire erupted in the capital as the soldiers behind the standoff tried to disperse protesters who were marching on the presidential palace where the two transitional leaders were being detained. It was not immediately clear whether any of the demonstrators were wounded.

People could be seen fleeing in all directions as the shooting continued, according to an Associated Press reporter at the scene.