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OUAGADOUGOU. — Burkina Faso’s coup leader yesterday said he was awaiting the outcome of a summit of West African leaders, as a midday deadline given by the military for the junta to disarm expired.
General Gilbert Diendéré said he was still in charge despite the passing of a deadline set by loyalist troops, who entered the capital, Ouagadougou, late on Monday vowing to reinstate the country’s interim government.
“I’m not stalling for time. I’m within the time allotted to me,” he told a news conference. “I am still the president of the National Democratic Council (junta).”
In an exclusive interview with France24 yesterday, Diendéré called for calm and urged that all sides accept the outcome of mediation efforts by the Economic Community of West African States.
“I’m asking that everyone remain calm and I’m asking that everyone accepts whatever decision Ecowas makes so that we can move on,” he said.
Few people ventured out onto the streets of the capital yesterday, as Diendéré’s forces held the presidential palace, while troops opposing the coup deployed at most other strategic points.
Military sources said negotiations between army chiefs and the presidential guard had resumed after breaking down earlier in the day.
Both sides have said they are committed to finding a solution “without bloodshed”.
The coup derailed a transition in the landlocked West African country, which had been preparing for an election on October 11. The vote was designed to restore democracy nearly a year after an uprising toppled long-time President Blaise Compaoré.
Diendéré has said he will step aside once regional leaders, due to meet in Nigeria yesterday, endorse a peace plan that includes an amnesty for coup plotters.
In an apparent olive branch, he ordered the release of interim prime minister Isaac Zida, who had been held hostage since the revolt began. — France24/AFP/Reuters.
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