Burkina: One Old Regime Down, More to Fall?

Glaustai 27-11-2014

The resignation of Burkina Faso's president Blaise Compaoré in October 2014 should not have come as a surprise. The interplay of several political and socioeconomic factors led to his fall. International actors followed the events closely and urged a consensual approach in the transition negotiations. The role of the military has been central to the changes; it should be watched carefully in the coming months. A civilian president, a prime minister hailing from the Presidential Guard, a 26-member government and a 90-member transitional council will steer the country until the elections, scheduled for November 2015. Events in Burkina Faso are followed in other African countries, where long-standing leaders are also likely to try to stay in power. Burkina, one of the world's poorest countries, needs a genuine transition to ensure a more inclusive and resilient future.