Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ouagadougou (Agenzia Fides) - After 16 days since the fall of power, which lasted 27 years, of former President Blaise Compaoré, and the settlement of a military junta, a civilian was appointed ad interim President of Burkina Faso. We are talking about the diplomat Michel Kafando, who was chosen by the College of designation, the organ formed by politicians, the military, civil society and the different religious faiths in the Country, in charge of choosing the Head of State who will lead the Country until the general election in November 2015.
It was the representative of the Catholic Church in the college designation, Ignace Sandwidi, to announce the appointment of Kafando.
The military junta, led by Lt. Col. Isaac Zida, kept his promise to return power to civilians as soon a possible. The appointment of Kafando was preceded by the approval of the Charter of transition (see Fides 12/11/2014) which laid the groundwork for the return of power in the hands of civilians. Shortly hours prior to the approval of the Charter, Lieutenant Colonel Zida had paid a visit to Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo, Archbishop of Ouagadougou. During the meeting, the Cardinal thanked the officer for the "inclusive dialogue". The Cardinal had also launched an appeal to the international community not to impose sanctions against the Country.
The African Union had in fact threatened sanctions if the junta had not returned power to civilians. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/11/2014)
