Burkina Faso: Jonathan, others broker civilian transition deal

President Goodluck Jonathan and two other West African leaders have brokered a deal to resolve the political impasse in Burkina Faso.

The three West African Presidents brokered an agreement on a one-year political transition that would lead to elections in November 2015, local media reported on Thursday.

According to the agreement, the military, which is currently controlling the country after citizens’ protests forced the former leader out of power, would hand power over to an eminent civilian personality to lead the transition.

The reports said political parties and civil society groups would be able to propose candidates for the post.

Mr. Jonathan, Senegal’s Macky Sall and Ghana’s John Mahama arrived on Wednesday in Ouagadougou.

It said that they met new military leader, Isaac Zida, diplomats, representatives of political parties and civil society as well as religious and traditional leaders.

Mr. Zida took power after Blaise Compaore resigned on Friday, following massive demonstrations demanding an end to his 27-year rule.

“Burkina Faso should overcome the pain as quickly as possible, so that all parts of society can participate in decisions making it possible to create a stable democracy,” Mr. Mahama said.

(dpa/NAN)