Burkina Faso’s Coup Leaders To Surrender Ending Week-Long Junta Rule

Events Summary:

• 16th September, the elite Presidential guard force of Burkina Faso stormed an afternoon meeting arresting the Interim President Michael Kafando and other top officials.
• 17^th September, Brigadier General Gilbert Diendere, a former president’s ally an ex-chief of the presidential guard declared a coup placing Burkina Faso under junta rule with him as new leader
• 18^th September the African Union suspended Burkina Faso and gave September 22 ultimatum for the restoration of the transitional government.
• 19^th September Benin’s president announced the return of civilian rule with reinstatement of President Michael Kafando after talks and deal agreement with the coup leaders.
• 22^nd September, Burkina Faso Army Troops entered the capital with the sole intention of a peaceful surrender of the coup leaders.

Analysis:

The Elite Presidential guard squad of Burkina Faso’s military overthrew the country’s interim government after arresting the country’s interim president and other key top officials in the September 16th incident.

Former president’s ally and Ex-chief of the presidential guard Brigadier General Gabriel Diendere assumed office as the Junta leader.

The African Union among other international actor including Burkina Faso’s colonial power condemned the coup with the AU suspending her and threating to impose sanctions if the country didn’t return to civilian rule by September 22^nd.

Talks mediated by Benin’s President Thomas Boni Yayi yielded result with a  deal agreement that would reinstate President Michael Kafando as president pending the much awaited elections slotted for October 11^th.

Burkina Faso Army troops arrived in the capital Ouagadougou to negotiate a peaceful surrender of the coup leaders. The army assured of a secure surrender without bloodshed seeing as the past few days have been characterized with protests that led to 10 dead and tens injured.

Summary:

Burkina Faso has experience tension for the past year triggered by the public ouster the longest serving president Blaise Compaore. The public ouster was fueled by Compaore’s bid to alter the constitution to extend his term in office after the stipulated term expired.

The country has had a transitional government pending the elections slotted for October 11^th with interim President Michael Kafando in power.

Coups are becoming increasingly frequent in Africa as the countries transition from former authoritarian rule to democratic rules guided by constitutions and the rule of law. They have become a worrying trend and an increasing preferred conflict resolution tactic in African governments.

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