[Burkina Faso] Statement from the African League of Activists and Bloggers for Democracy
Blaise Compaoré came to power in Burkina Faso in 1987 following a coup d’état. Today, he wants to amend the Constitution to remain in power. The League of African Bloggers and Cyber-Activists for Democracy – AfricTivistes – offers its full support to the people of Burkina Faso who are opposing this move.
On Thursday, the Burkinabe Parliament is examining a government bill aimed at amending Article 37 of the Constitution to increase the maximum number of presidential terms from two to three.
By seeking to amend the Constitution in order to stand for a third five-year term after 27 years in office, Blaise Compaoré is committing a major abuse of power. This constitutes a flagrant violation of the fundamental law of the Republic of Burkina Faso, as well as a breach of the African Charter on Democracy. That is why we, AfricTivistes, support the various civil society and opposition movements in Burkina Faso which, for the past year, have been fighting against the amendment of their Constitution and have just begun a week of protests against this constitutional revision.
We support all citizens’ initiatives aimed at ensuring respect for the constitution and safeguarding democratic achievements. We will support Burkinabe activists and bloggers in organising a citizens’ response to this attempt to tamper with the constitution in Burkina Faso.
