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11/21/2024 08:49:52 pm

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1 Dead, Media Blackout As Army Cleared Protesters In Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso

(Photo : REUTERS/Joe Penney) Soldiers take over the state TV headquarters in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, November 2, 2014.

At the height of protest rallies on Burkina Faso's state TV station on Sunday, state army began the clearing operations that led to one fatality two days after President Blaise Compaore resigned.

Compaore's plan to effect constitutional change to allegedly prolong his 27 years in position triggered mass protests in the state capital of Ouagadougou.  To curb national distress, the army selected Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida as the new transitional leader following Compaore.

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But people of Burkina Faso are far from satisfaction with leaders of activist groups pushing for the return of people power similar to other countries in West Africa.  Related reports cited opposition leader Saran Sereme escorted with an army general stormed RTB Television headquarters to proclaim herself as the new leader.

Sereme then denied the report saying that she was dragged to the station by members of the military, Burkina 24 wrote.  Afterwards, gun shots were fired and the channel went off air for a couple of hours.

Presidential security force then barricaded Place de la Nation, the site of violent protests last week where three people were killed.

Zida's appointment as a transitional leader was widely criticized by the citizens of Burkina Faso, citing possibilities of the army's full control of the government.  Colonel Auguste Barry clarified that the military is not after the political power, "but the anarchy has to stop."

Sanou Eric claimed that Zida came from Kossyam, the president's official residence, whose mission is to enslave its people.  One placard referred to Zida as Judas imploring him to leave the country.

The United Nations together with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States rejected the army's seizure of power.  The United States, on the other hand, cautiously called the leaders of Burkina Faso to restore civilian rights to government.

The constitution of Burkina Faso mandates the head of National Assembly takes over as officer-in-charge before an election takes place 90 days thereafter.

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