Dozens killed in anti-Compaore uprising

People stand in front of smoke rising from the Burkina Faso's Parliament in Ouagadougou, as they protest at plans to change the constitution to allow President Blaise Compaore to extend his 27-year rule. It would be naive to ignore lessons from the Arab spring, Hong Kong and Burkina Faso, says the writer. File picture: Issouf Sanogo

People stand in front of smoke rising from the Burkina Faso's Parliament in Ouagadougou, as they protest at plans to change the constitution to allow President Blaise Compaore to extend his 27-year rule. It would be naive to ignore lessons from the Arab spring, Hong Kong and Burkina Faso, says the writer. File picture: Issouf Sanogo

Published Nov 26, 2014

Share

Ouagadougou -

Twenty-four people were killed and 625 people were wounded in the popular uprising that toppled longtime president Blaise Compaore in October, a committee appointed by Prime Minister Isaac Zida said on Wednesday.

Among causes of the fatalities were gunshot wounds, serious burns or suffocation, said Clarisse Merindol-Ouoba, who heads the committee probing the violence.

Compaore, who had been power for 27 years, was forced to step down during two days of violent protests that saw demonstrators storm parliament and other buildings, ransacking offices and setting fire to cars.

The opposition had initially reported a death toll of 30, while diplomatic sources had said 15 were killed.

Merindol-Ouoba also highlighted heavy damage of property during the revolt, including 14 public buildings which were destroyed, while shops were pillaged.

A new interim government comprising army officials and civilian representatives was named on Sunday to lead the country's 12-month transition. - AFP

Related Topics: