African presidents tell Burkina Faso military to hand power back to civilians

African leaders met in Burkina Faso today to pressure the army into keeping its promise to hand power back to civilians within a fortnight after the fall of president Blaise Compaore. Isaac Zida, the interim leader appointed by Burkina Faso’s military, told unions on Tuesday that he would return the country to civilian rule, a day after the African Union threatened sanctions if the army did not give up power. The presidents of Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal were due to arrive in Burkina Faso on Wednesday to press the issue, as Canada suspended its aid to the impoverished West African country and other nations considered similar moves.

If everyone agrees, there is no reason that the transition (from military rule) shouldn’t be done within two weeks.

Joseph Tiendrebeogo

The military had filled the power vacuum left by Compaore, who was forced to resign on Friday after 27 years in power, chased out by a violent popular uprising that some had likened to the Arab Spring. France said it helped facilitate the evacuation of Compaore saying it was necessary to prevent a “bloodbath” in the former French colony. In the aftermath of Compaore’s exit, the army’s decision to take over the reins of the country once again sparked angry protests at home and prompted threats of sanctions from the international community.

legitimate and accountable civil authority has been re-established

Togo’s former prime minister Edem Kodjo

Africa Burkina Faso