Interim leader freed after coup

Burkina Faso’s military released the West African country’s interim president, who was detained during a coup that dissolved his government.

The African Union, meanwhile, suspended Burkina Faso after the military power grab, and the presidents of Senegal and Benin began mediation efforts to restore constitutional rule.

This week’s coup was led by members of a presidential guard still loyal to ex-President Blaise Compaore, who was ousted in a popular uprising last October after he angered people by attempting to prolong his 27year rule.

The junta said that interim President Michel Kafando had been freed from military custody but that the prime minister remained under house arrest. Kafando and the premier were chosen to lead the political transition after Compaore’s resignation until an election could be held. The vote was set for Oct. 11, though the new military leader now says that is too soon.