Burkina Faso’s Army Promises to Hand Power to a Transitional Government
Source: Time
Burkina Fasos interim President Isaac Zida said Sunday evening that the army would cede power to a transitional body, just days after President Blaise Compaorés resignation. He stepped down Oct. 31 following violent protests over his bid to extend his presidential term.
On Saturday, the countrys military named Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida as leader of an interim government. But thousands of protestors gathered on Sunday in Burkina Fasos capital, Ouagadougo, to demand that the military give up power, BBC reports. The army reportedly responded by barricading the citys main square and opening fire at state TV headquarters, killing at least one demonstrator.
The African Union, the U.S. and the U.N. have also criticized the military takeover and expressed a desire for a return to civilian rule.
Following a meeting with key opposition figures on Sunday, a military spokesman said in a statement that the army would install a transitional body
with all the components to be adopted by a broad consensus. The spokesman added: Power does not interest us, only the greater interest of the nation, citing the armys sacred values of honor, dignity and sacrifice.
Read more: http://time.com/3554362/burkina-faso-army-transitional-government/
Here's hoping....