Burkina Faso’s military leader Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba on Thursday said that the country will return to constitutional order when conditions are right, reported Reuters.
Damiba’s statement comes just a few days after a military coup ousted President Roch Kaboré, blaming him for failing to contain worsening violence by Islamist militants. On Monday, the military announced that it had seized power on state television, citing the deteriorating security situation for the military takeover.
“When the conditions are right, according to the deadline that our people will define in all sovereignty, I commit to a return to a normal constitutional order,” Lt-Col Damiba said addressing the nation for the first time on national television since taking power.
The military leader was seen wearing a red beret and army fatigues.
The 41-year-old Damiba said he will meet representatives of various sections of society to agree on a roadmap for reform. He added that Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta needs international partners more than ever, following condemnation of the coup.
“I call on the international community to support our country so it can exit this crisis as soon as possible,” the military leader said.
He also said consultations have begun with all parties, including outgoing politicians in order to help rebuild and restore lasting peace in the country.
Burkina Faso’s military also met a group of trade union leaders on Thursday in the capital, Ouagadougou.
Marcel Zante, who heads an umbrella grouping of 130 unions, said Damiba has assured that the trade union will be consulted and included in what will happen next.
“Now we are waiting to see what happens on the ground,” he added.
The meetings come before a planned emergency summit of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Friday, where members are set to discuss how to respond to the coup.
