TheCable

Thousands of Burkina Faso citizens took to the street on Wednesday rejoicing over the reinstatement of the interim government led by President Michel Kafando.

The presidential guard of the country had kept Kafando and some members of his cabinet in detention last week before announcing the dissolution of the interim government.

The situation had led to demonstrations, which resulted in the death of 10 persons and injuries of about 100 people.

The intervention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which held a special summit on the crisis in Abuja on Tuesday, assisted in resolving the crisis.

The junta leaders reached a deal with the interim government.

Though Kafando has expressed reservations about some aspects of the deal, he expressed appreciation to all those who helped in restoring democracy, particularly his countrymen for their courageous act.

“We are proud of the mobilisation and fearlessness of the people of Burkina Faso, in particular of its youth,” he  said at his swearing-in ceremony in Ouagadougou.

“I salute the international community for having rejected unequivocally this action … Regarding the ECOWAS proposals for a solution to the crisis, it is obvious that we will only commit to them if they take into account the will of the Burkinabes.”

Several West African leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Yemi Osinbajo, his deputy, witnessed the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, Benin’s President Thomas Boni Yayi, said efforts must now be focused on efforts to quickly bring free, fair and transparent elections.

The country’s election had been scheduled for October 11 before the recent developments.