Burkina Faso army leader willing to handover power to civilians

Lieutenant-colonel Isaac Yacouba Zida, the incumbent leader of the transition government in Burkina Faso said on Monday he is willing to handover power for a civilian transitional period in the West African country.

This comes over after his meeting with the Mossi tribe King, Mogho Naba, the most influential traditional chief in Burkina Faso.

"They came and told us that they will hand over power to civilians. We have encouraged them to do so", said Mogho Naba at the front porch of his palace after the meeting.

Lt. Col Zida, entrusted by the whole army to lead the transition, made no comment about their discussion. He is expected to meet the president of the Constitutional Council.

Lt. Col Zida appears as man-of-few-words, since the seizure of power by the army. He simply stated on Monday that the transition will be led within a "constitutional framework" by a consensually designated personality by all the participants of the national life.

Burkina Faso's former President Blaise Compaore had resigned on Friday after violent protests against his attempt to extend a 27- year rule. The army then took power. Enditem