Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Lt Col Isaac Zida has dismissed threats of sanctions by the African Union (AU) if he does not hand over power to a civilian in two weeks.
The AU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are working to ensure the smooth transfer of power from the Military to a civilian in Burkina Faso.
This was after the nation’s President of 27 years; Blaise Compaore was forced to resign a week ago.
[contextly_sidebar id=”F4l9x1Du5Ybp69o9td1T5EsmT5rmZtEM”]His resignation comes on the back of days of protest by Burkinabe’s after he attempted to amend the country’s constitution to extend his 27-year rule by five years.
On Wednesday, ECOWAS chairman, President John Mahama and the Senegal and Nigerian Presidents had talks with Lt Col Isaac Zida together with United Nations’ (UN) representatives.
The meeting resulted in a one-year transition agreement.
He agreed to hand over power to a civilian but on Thursday, he reportedly said he was not concerned by the African Union deadline.
According to the BBC, Lt Col Zida after talks with opposition parties and civil society is said to have stated that “we are not afraid of sanctions; we care much more about stability.”
He has however agreed to hold elections next year but not on an interim leader.
Senegalese President, Macky Sall has been appointed to lead ECOWAS’ mediation efforts in Burkina Faso.
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana