Authorities in Burkina Faso met on Sunday (November 16) to name an interim president to lead the country back to civilian rule after former head of state Blaise Compaore was toppled by protests and replaced by a military ruler.
A 23-strong committee drawn from the army, traditional and religious groups, civil society and the political opposition met to decide between five candidates. Early on Monday, they named former foreign minister Michel Kafando as transitional president.
Secretary-general of the charter, Ablasse Ouedraogo, outlined what the role of the interim president would be.
"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," he said.
"His mandate concludes at the end of the transition, after the inauguration of the president, stemming from the presidential election."
Military ruler Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida said on Saturday he had restored the constitution that was suspended when Compaore fled the country. The African Union had given him two weeks to re-establish civilian rule or face sanctions.
"We realize the magnitude of this event, both for our people and for the other people of the continent and beyond," Zida said at the meeting.
Compaore was a regional power broker and a Western ally against Islamist militants, but many opposed his efforts to change the constitution that would have allowed him to stand for re-election next year and extend his 27-year rule.
After the popular ousting of Compaore, Zida was quick to seize power but came under substantial pressure from within and outside of the country to hand over power to a civilian president.
People outside the venue of the meeting cheered the decision.
"Colonel Zida really wanted to transfer the power to the people and we are grateful as the youth of Burkina Faso because he's done a citizen's act. And we believe that beyond being a soldier, he proved that he is a citizen of Burkina Faso," said Ousseni Tapsoba.
The transitional president will name a prime minister to appoint a 25-member government, but will be barred from standing at the next election.
REUTERS