African Union gives Burkina Faso's military two week deadline
- 10 years ago
Burkina Faso’s military has been given two weeks to hand over power to a civilian leader or face sanctions from the African Union.
The army seized control after President Blaise Compaore was forced to resign on Friday. It followed mass street protests at Compaore’s attempt to extend his 27-year rule.
The United Nations has also condemned the army seizing power.
The military said a civilian-led transitional government would be established as soon as possible.
“We are not there to usurp power or take over running the state,” said interim president Isaac Zida.
“We are still in the midst of holding talks. You know it’s not just the political opposition that needs to be taken into account. We need to take into account civil society. We also need to take on board the opinions of the religious leaders and other figures such as traditional chiefs, in fact all those who play an important role in our society.”
Calm has now returned to the streets with most banks and businesses opening as normal.
It’s the seventh time the military has taken over in Burkina Faso since it won independence from France in 1960.
The army seized control after President Blaise Compaore was forced to resign on Friday. It followed mass street protests at Compaore’s attempt to extend his 27-year rule.
The United Nations has also condemned the army seizing power.
The military said a civilian-led transitional government would be established as soon as possible.
“We are not there to usurp power or take over running the state,” said interim president Isaac Zida.
“We are still in the midst of holding talks. You know it’s not just the political opposition that needs to be taken into account. We need to take into account civil society. We also need to take on board the opinions of the religious leaders and other figures such as traditional chiefs, in fact all those who play an important role in our society.”
Calm has now returned to the streets with most banks and businesses opening as normal.
It’s the seventh time the military has taken over in Burkina Faso since it won independence from France in 1960.