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Burkina Faso: More time needed to restore civilian rule, says Ecowas

THE Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) warned yesterday against raising sanctions against Burkina Faso, arguing that “ongoing regional efforts” to restore civilian rule should be given time to work.

Ecowas spoke out after military ruler Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida backtracked on previous agreements to abide by an African Union-imposed two-week deadline to hand over to a transitional government.

Former presidential guard second-in-command Lt Col Zida took power after president Blaise Compaore stepped down on October 31 following mass protests.

On Thursday night he announced that the African Union’s deadline was “not a concern” for Burkina Faso.

“We want to have consensus that will allow us to move towards elections that will be accepted by everyone,” he said.

“We have waited on the African Union in moments when it should have shown its fraternity and friendship, but instead was not there. It’s unfortunate but it’s not too late.”

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