Sep 28, 2015 Burkina Faso’s interim President, Michel Kafando recently returned to power after a coup that toppled his administration two weeks ago. President Kafando, accompanied by Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida, addressed his supporters and other West African leaders in the country’s capital saying:
“The people’s reaction, particularly that of our militant youth, the international community’s disapproval, and the unanimous condemnation of the coup reinforces our certainty that we are on the right path and that our cause is a just one,”
Also speaking at the event, President Boni Yayi of Benin republic said:
“President Michel Kafando, through this solemn ceremony, the Economic Community of West African States and the international community recognizes your position as transitional president of Burkina Faso,”
On arrival, General Diendere, leader of thecoup, greeted the heads of state from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Niger at the airport. However, he did not attend the ceremony at which Kafando was reinstated.
Prior to that, at an emergency summit in Nigeria, West African leaders called upon the presidential guard to disarm and urged the African Union and the international community to refrain from imposing sanctions.
Speaking on the convergence of the West African leaders, Herve Guy, a political activist said:
“I think that ECOWAS came here to acknowledge its errors in the assessment of this coup. No doubt ECOWAS didn’t understand the Burkinabe people were ahead in the quest for democracy. So they came to try and make us accept this coup, but the people refused and now they have sided with the people. I do hope that a solution will be found once and for all and that from now on ECOWAS won’t hesitate, especially with putschists, be it in Burkina or any other country,”
Other Burkinabe expressed relief at the restoration of civilian rule in the country.
“I am glad to see them get along, now they just need to disarm and listen to the mediators who came to advise and save us,” said Ouagadougou resident Boukary Compaore
“The curfew has lasted one week now, ever since last Wednesday. So, I haven’t been able to make any money since last Wednesday. I just started working again today. It’s been hard for my family to eat. I also owe many different people money because I had to borrow money left and right to feed my family. It’s complicated, and it’s hard for us,” said merchant Adama Karantao.
“We are happy because we can actually say that a solution was found. They have agreed. There was no bloodshed or anything. President Michel has resumed his role. We at least hope that there was a good understanding between them and that we can live in peace. What we wish for is peace and that they find a way to get along so that we may resume our daily activities,” said accountant Moumouni Soubeiga.