African leaders meet in Burkina Faso to discuss transition to civilian rule

World Today

The Presidents of Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana met with Burkina Faso’s transitional leader Isaac Zida to discuss a return to civilian rule. CCTV America’s Kofa Mrenje reported this story from the country’s capital, Ouagadougou.

Six days after widespread protests toppled the presidency of Blaise Compaore, the clean-up is still underway.

Among the targets for last week’s outpouring of anger were the headquarters of Compaore’s party and the Parliament that had been preparing a vote to give Compaore another term. It was his quest for more years in office that hundreds of thousands to the streets.

“It is not that people did not like Blaise Compaore. People just did not want the move to change the Constitution to allow him to run again for presidency. He worked well for this country. But 27 years were enough,” said Ouagadougou resident Karim Nacoulma.

For many the victory was short-lived. The military took charge as soon as Compaore went into exile in Côte d’Ivoire. The African Union has labelled the military action a coup, and is demanding the army hand over control, or face sanctions.

Many in the capital are optimistic that the army will hand over power to civilian rule. Some said it’s taking too long, while others said it gives the army enough time to choose someone who will be accepted by all.

“The army, they know the country. If the former president left the country in peace, we believe that the army also will do the same,” said resident Stephane Baroo.

In the meantime, the city is waiting to see who emerges as a new leader after they made it clear last week that they’re desperate for change.