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Burkina Faso: Colonel Promises To Hand Down Power In A Nation Gripped By Anticipation, Fear

November 3, 2014

In his statement the colonel also warned the nation of two individuals, Ms. Saran Sérémé and General Kouamé Lougue, of falsely attempting to present themselves as leaders of the transitional government.
“You'll understand. This is an infringement of the transition process underway and despite attempts at mediation, protesters categorically refused,” said Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida.

Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida, the army officer chosen by Burkina Faso’s military to rule Burkina Faso, has announced to a group of diplomats that he will yield power a transitional government that was yet to be formed according to Burkina 24 News.

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In his statement the colonel also warned the nation of two individuals, Ms. Saran Sérémé and General Kouamé Lougue, of falsely attempting to present themselves as leaders of the transitional government.

“You'll understand. This is an infringement of the transition process underway and despite attempts at mediation, protesters categorically refused,” said Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida.

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The statement was directed at the two opposition leaders who were expected to announce their intent to lead the transitional government at a rally on Sunday. However, security forces successfully dispersed protesters who had gathered by firing shots into the air.

"We went to the national TV [station] to try to understand what is going to happen, and while a colonel was reassuring us, some troops arrived and started to shoot," one protester told the BBC.

Despite the resignation of Former President Blaise Compaore last Friday, many Burkinabe continue to remain in the streets of Ouagadougou and are now asking for the military to relinquish power to civilian rule, immediately.

The United States, several European nations and the African Union have all stated the need for the military leadership to quickly transfer control of the state back to civilian administration.

There are reports of wide scale looting and damage to buildings in the government center in Ougadougou including reports of ransacking of residences owned by political figures connected to the previous regime.

 

 

 

 

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Politics