[Burkina Faso] Africtivistes supports citizen-led initiatives

Burkina Faso: Statement by the League of African Activists and Bloggers for Democracy

image

Blaise Compaoré came to power in Burkina Faso in 1987 through a coup d’état. He later sought to amend the Constitution to run for a fifth term.

The Burkinabè people thwarted this plan by overthrowing him in October 2014.

According to official reports, 24 people died during this period.

On 17 November 2014, Michel Kafando, a former diplomat, became interim President, while Lieutenant-Colonel Zida, backed by senior army officers, became Head of Government and Minister of Defence.

The transitional government began a purge within the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP), and Gilbert Diendéré, the former chief of staff to the deposed dictator, was dismissed.

On 16 September 2015, Gilbert Diendéré led a coup, interrupting the transition and the democratic process that was due to culminate in presidential and legislative elections in October, less than three weeks away.

Since 16 September, Yalgado Ouédraogo Hospital has recorded 17 deaths and 108 injuries.

The League of African Bloggers and Cyber-Activists for Democracy — AfricTivistes — stands in full support of the Burkinabè people during this difficult time.

Statement

This coup d’état is a blatant attack on the transition and a violation of the African Charter on Democracy. We, AfricTivistes, therefore support the various civil society movements and opposition groups in Burkina Faso, which have been fighting for months to secure transparent presidential and legislative elections after 27 years of dictatorship.

We support all civic initiatives aimed at restoring the transition and safeguarding democratic gains. We will support Burkinabè activists and bloggers in developing a civic response to Gilbert Diendéré’s coup.

We remain mobilised alongside the Burkinabè people and reaffirm our commitment to a democratic Africa.