Burkina president retakes power after coup

OUAGADOUGOU: Michel Kafando was reconfirmed as interim president of Burkina Faso at an official ceremony on Wednesday, a week after he was ousted by the presidential guard, plunging the West African country into crisis.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by representatives of political parties, civil society and the army, but coup leader Gilbert Diendere was absent, radio station Omega FM reported.

The transitional government that was put in place after the ouster of president Blaise Compaore nearly a year ago “is back and resumes the exercise of the power of state at this very minute,” Kafando said earlier on national television.

The 1,200-strong presidential guard took Kafando, interim Prime Minister Isaac Zida and two ministers captive. Kafando and the two ministers were released a few days later and Zida on Monday.

Diendere was seen welcoming the presidents of Ghana, Niger and Benin as they arrived in Ouagadougou to mediate in the crisis.

Kafando was due to meet the mediators after the swearing-in ceremony.

The presidential guard and the loyalist army signed an agreement to end the hostilities late on Tuesday, according to Omega FM.

The presidential guard agreed to remain confined to barracks, while the loyalists said they would retreat to 50 kilometres from Ouagadougou, as part of the deal. — dpa