Interim president named in Burkina Faso
Iran Press TV
Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:10PM GMT
Representatives of Burkina Faso's army as well as traditional and religious groups have named an acting president to direct the country's transition from military rule back to civilian government.
The 23-strong committee met on Sunday to choose between five candidates and named former foreign minister, Michel Kafando, to the position early on Monday.
The country has been under the control of the military since Lieutenant Colonel Yacouba Isaac Zida assumed power after the resignation of former President Blaise Compaoré. The former president was forced to step down on October 31, following two days of mass protests against his attempts to change the constitution to extend his rule for a fifth term.
'The president of the transitional government occupies the function of president of [Burkina] Faso and head of state. He upholds the constitution and the transition charter,' said Ablasse Ouedraogo, a former social affairs minister, who added, 'His mandate concludes at the end of the transition, after the inauguration of the president, stemming from the presidential election.'
The interim head of state is tasked with naming a prime minister to appoint a 25-member government, but cannot contest in the next election.
Zida has reinstated the country's constitution, which was suspended following Compaoré's ouster.
The African Union had threatened the country with sanctions unless Zida transferred power to civilians within two weeks.
HN/HMV/SS
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