Power struggle appears in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso's military chief General Honore Traore (centre) speaks with fellow officers before a news conference at the army headquarters in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Picture: Joe Penney

Burkina Faso's military chief General Honore Traore (centre) speaks with fellow officers before a news conference at the army headquarters in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Picture: Joe Penney

Published Nov 1, 2014

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Ouagadougou -

A power struggle appeared to be emerging between military contenders for leader of Burkina Faso early Saturday, a day after the military seized power amid public protests against the president.

Former army spokesman Isaac Zida announced he was assuming the office of president until the next elections, according to an announcement posted by broadcaster Omega.

“Lieutenant Colonel Zida has officially announced he is taking the reins of the country to ensure a safe transition” of power, it said.

The move came a day after army chief Honore Traore announced he had taken power after president Blaise Compaore gave in to pressure from tens of thousands of demonstrators and resigned.

“I will from this day assume my responsibilities as head of state,” Traore said in a communique.

Compaore, 63, announced he was stepping down “in the supreme interest of the country” and called an election within 90 days.

Many protesters had Friday criticised Traore's move to take power, saying he rose in the army under Compaore.

Analysts said Friday the army was divided and that Zida wanted to lead the transition himself.

Massive protests erupted on Thursday in Ouagadougou and elsewhere in the West African country, mainly against a bill tabled by Compaore to change the constitution and allow him to run in the next elections for a fifth term to extend his 27-year rule.

The opposition said about 30 people had been killed and 100 injured during protests in Ouagadougou. A dpa correspondent saw three bodies on the streets. -

Sapa-dpa

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