AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - "We have reached a turning point in the history of the Country", say local Church sources

Friday, 31 October 2014

Ouagadougou (Agenzia Fides) - "The main question is where is President Blaise Compaoré and what is he doing. What seems certain is that his power is over", say to Agenzia Fides sources of the Church in Burkina Faso, who for security reasons have asked to remain anonymous. Yesterday, October 30, thousands of protesters invaded and devastated the National Assembly that was preparing to vote on the controversial reform of the constitution to allow President Blaise Compaoré to stand for election for a third term (see Fides 29/10/2014).
Our sources point out: "we are faced with an event that involves the whole Country. Demonstrations and looting occurred not only in the capital Ouagadougou but also in major cities of Burkina Faso: Bobo Dioulasso, Banfora, Ouahigouya, Koudougou. It is an issue that is affecting the entire Country. This is not the reaction of a small group of people in the capital".
The military took control of the situation, dissolving Parliament and announcing the establishment of an interim steering committee that will govern the Country for 12 months until the presidential election. Compaoré in an open letter released during the night on the website of Radio Omega said to waive the constitutional amendment to extend the term of office and assured that he will remain in office only for the period of transition announced by the army. "But this announcement comes at a time when people are tired of the President who has been ruling since 1987. The attempt to extend his term of office was the straw that broke the camel's back", point out Fides sources recalling that even as early as 4 years ago Bishops had expressed their opposition to the amendment of Article 37 of the Constitution to extend the President’s term of office.
In a message posted on February 20, 2010, the Bishops asked themselves: will the abolition of the limit of two presidential terms "guarantee social peace or lead to further unrest?". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 31/10/2014)


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