Shots were heard in the center of Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, Reuters reported Saturday, a day after the military ousted the country's president, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.

The transitional government said the developing situation was linked to an "internal crisis in the army."

"Talks are continuing to try to reach a settlement without trouble," government spokesman Lionel Bilgo told AFP.

The "crisis" was based on army pay claims, and that Damiba was taking part in discussions with the men, Bilgo said. 

Damiba, who seized power in January with the same group of army officers that removed him, was "in a safe place," AFP reported citing an unnamed government source.

"The negotiations are continuing... the soldiers are maintaining pressure through their presence at strategic points they occupied this morning" in the capital, another unnamed government source told AFP.

In Brussels, the EU voiced "concern" at events in the Burkina capital.

On Friday, Burkina Faso's new leader Captain Ibrahim Traore appeared on state television, after a day marked by gunfire near a military camp, an explosion near the presidential palace, and the state television going off-air. Flanked by soldiers, he declared the government dissolved and borders closed.

Apparent calm returned to Ouagadougou early on Saturday, but the sound of shots around noon and the appearance of the special forces convoy prompted shops to close and some people to run for cover.

"The situation remains tense in Ouagadougou. It is recommended to limit your movements," the French embassy said in a statement.

(With input from Reuters, AFP)

(Cover: A man sits on his motorcycle as Burkina Faso soldiers are seen deployed in Ouagadougou, September 30, 2022. /CFP)