Burkina Faso president back in power one week after coup

Burkina Faso’s interim president declared Wednesday he is once again in charge of the country a week after a military general and his supporters overthrew him and his transitional government. Interim President Michel Kafando had been arrested by members of the presidential guard a week ago, and later sought refuge at the residence of the French ambassador. In recent days, Burkina Faso’s army sent troops into the capital to pressure Diendere and his soldiers to cede power. The military threatened to disarm them by force if necessary.

During this ordeal we have fought together and in freedom we triumph together.

President Michel Kafando

Kafando’s return caps a tumultuous week in Burkina Faso, where Gen. Gilbert Diendere and his supporters seized power a month before an election. The vote was organized after long-time leader Blaise Compaore was ousted in October in a popular uprising. The transitional government led by Kafando was to be charge until that vote. The military said Wednesday it had reached an agreement with other members of Diendere’s guard overnight.

Africa Burkina Faso