Transitional Arrangements In Burkina Faso


President Braise Campoare, was forced to resign on October 31 amid mass protests which resulted in the sacking and burning of the country’s parliament. After fleeing the country the army took over power and Lt. Col Isaac Zida declared himself head of state and pledged to handover to a civilian authority. This did not amuse Burkinabes, the AU and ECOWAS.

The AU threatened sanctions and some Burkinabe’s protested. However on Sunday a transitional charter was signed putting out a year long road map towards elections. The transitional charter will see an interim legislative chamber and a transitional leader installed until elections are organized next year. 

This has led to the choice of Michael Kafando, 72 as the transitional leader. He was chosen by a special panel composed of religious, military, political, civil and traditional leader. According to reports, reaction to Mr. Kafando’s appointment has been lukewarm among the youth who were instrumental in ousting Mr. Campare. It has been said that Mr. Kafando a retired diplomat had been Mr. Compares’ 27 voice at the UN for 13years, and had been quiet throughout the rowdy debate over the constitutional amendment which caught to extend Mr. Campore’s importance is that the new transitional leader is seen as the candidate of the army. All this could make many people in Burkina Fase feel they have been shortchanged with Mr. Kafando’s appointment.

Sources in Burkina Faso say many of the youths who were instrumental in the protests that resulted in Mr. Compre’s ouster would have referred Josephine Ouedrego. Madam Ouedrado served in the government of Thomas Sankare, the post independence leader whose assassination opened the way for Mr. Campore to seize power in 1987. Despite this, it unlikely that people will protest against Mr. Kafomdo's appointment. This is because the transition charter imposes tight controls on his powers. He is barred from standing at the next election. It is heartening that the
political crisis in Burkina Faso is gradually easing and the democratic process, God willing will be back on track. The countries neighbour must be hearing great sights of relief, because any upheaval in Burkina Faso could have serious in the repercussions region. 

Should it have gotten worse, refugees would have poured over the borders of neighbouring countries, invading Ghana heightening the seeing tense situation brought on by the ebola epidemic A peaceful transition is therefore welcome. The ECOWAS, AU and Burkina Faso’s former colonial power France should do all they can to facilitate a smooth and peaceful transition in the country. 

Peace drives development. Chaos intensifies poverty and suffering. But peace must be on the terms of the people and not the ruling elite, for the populations of most African countries are gradually growing wary of their ruling classed. Let our politicians instill confidence in us by their actions, which should be mired in transparency, accountability and fellow feeling.

by Teye Kitcher.