Burkina Faso has no intention to comply with the demands of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) on a transition timetable more agreeable to the regional grouping.
Ecowas has asked the transition authorities in Burkina Faso for a timetable for the transition by April 25.
But Ouagadougou does not intend to comply with this request insofar as the duration of the transition has already been adopted in a “consensual” manner during the February 28 national consultations.
These national consultations set a transition period of three years (36 months) for Burkina Faso to recover.
Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the new head of state, does not intend to give in to what is seen as a pressure tactic by the regional organization, according to the government spokesman.
“The government of Burkina Faso is under only one deadline, that of doing things right, that of arranging its action in accordance with the realities on the ground in all objectivity with the greatest possible prudence and realism,” said Lionel Bilgo, Burkina Faso’s government spokesman.
Is Burkina Faso exposing itself to an embargo like Mali by adopting this posture for the duration of the transition?
The regional organization is opposed to the three-year transition period and suggests a duration that is shorter than 18 months at most.
This proposal has so far been rejected by the country’s transitional authorities.
CD/fss/as/APA