After national talks ended in an agreement to an extended period of transition back to democratic rule, it was decided that the military extend its rule by 60 months in the approved new chapter.
According to Colonel Moussa Diallo, chairman of the organizing committee of the national dialogue process, the duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months beginning July 2, 2024.
The chapter was signed at a national two-day dialogue event to chart a way for the country back to civilian rule.
The military seized power in the 2022 coup and had promised to hold elections in July this year to take the country back to civilian rule. However, it established that amid the decision, security considerations would be highly prioritized.
“The elections marking the end of the transition may be organized before this deadline if the security situation so permits,” the new charter, signed by military leader Ibrahim Traore, stated. The new chapter permits Traore to run for president when the elections are due. It also changed the use of quotas to assign members of traditional parties’ seats in the assembly as it will deem patriotism as the only criterion for selecting deputies.
The talks was boycotted by many political parties. The delay may deepen concerns about the quality of democracy in parts of Western and Central Africa which have witnessed 8 coups in 4 years.
Burkina’s military government has struggled to address its security challenges hence its taking over power in September 2022.
The government has cut ties with former colonial ruler, France and has since turned to Russia for its security support. About half of Burkina Faso’s territory remains outside of government control.
Source: www.aljazeera.com , www.france24.com
