Burkina Faso: Trade Unions Call for Civilian Transition

Burkina Faso: Trade Unions Call for Civilian Transition

Brussels, 5 November 2014 (ITUC OnLine): Burkina Faso's trade union centres have called on the country's military to step aside and allow a civilian-led transition to a new government. In a meeting with the military yesterday in the capital, Ouagadougou, the unions received assurances from the military that they did intend to hand over to a civilian transitional body. Military officers assumed control of the country after ex-President Blaise Campaore's 27-year reign ended last week in the face of a massive popular uprising against his plans to change the law so he could remain in power. At least seven people died and dozens were injured during the protests.

Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said "Burkina Faso's army must heed the ultimatum of the African Union to step down and allow a civilian-led transition. The popular demand for democracy must be satisfied, and anything that falls short of this would be unjust and unsustainable."

Senegalese President Macky Sall and his Ghanaian and Nigerian counterparts John Mahama and Goodluck Jonathan, representing West African regional grouping ECOWAS, pressed home the call for a civilian transition in meetings with the military today in Ouagadougou. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also backed the call.

Burkina Faso's trade unions were at the centre of the popular movement to end Campaore's rule, culminating with a national strike last week which led to his rapid departure to Cote d'Ivoire.

The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 324 national affiliates.

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