Diplomat Chosen As Burkina Faso’s Interim President

Local Editor

Diplomat Michel Kafando has been chosen as Burkina Faso's interim president, officials in the west African country announced Monday and will head the country until 2015.

Kafando, one of four candidates, was selected after several hours of negotiation.

"The consensus candidate is Michel Kafando," said Ignace Sandwidi, a representative of the Catholic Church, which was involved in the discussions to find a leader.

On Friday Burkina Faso's military leadership announced it had reached an agreement with opposition parties as well as civil and religious leaders to transition to civilian rule.

"Today was the day of compromise," said Herve Kam, a member of the civil society group Balai Citoyen. "Both soldiers and civilians agree on a civilian transition. The institutions of the transition will be led by civilians.
The various factions "unanimously voted" for the transition charter, according to Henry Ye, the president of the commission representing the differing factions in Burkina Faso.

The charter will return the small West African nation to civilian rule and provide for elections late next year. On November 1, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida proclaimed himself head of state after violent protests led to the resignation of Compaore after 27 years in office.

No members of the interim government will be allowed to stand in the next elections, according to the transition plan.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team