Burkina Faso: The Stand by Divorce

By African Bulletin on May 19, 2011

Since late March, the crisis in Burkina may seem surprising in this country known, within the sub-region, for its civil peace. Yet, the situation is sufficiently complex and serious that President Blaise Compaoré has had to take quick and exceptional measures.

Students are protesting and Unions have denounced the rising cost of living, even more dramatic because the country is landlocked and imported products are generally much more expensive than in other countries of West Africa. On top of all, military elements had largely looted the houses of their superiors as well as shops in the city, which led the traders to protest, and even causing, temporary, the withdrawal of Blaise Compaoré in his birth town of Ziniaré. This crisis has clearly showed the evident social schism between the Compaoré family and the populace,which has long been very tolerant up to know. If this family was able to ensure the civil peace in a country marked by the repeated interference of the military in politics, and consolidated by all the Burkinabe elite enrichment; it seems today that the social pact is not anymore valid. The mentioned irregularities have precipitated and caused a deep discontent among a population that sees its purchasing power and living conditions to weaken further and became the reason of the disturbances across Burkina Faso. The 24 years of unchallenged power has been eroded to the degree that doubts are felt about the president having no more, or not enough, authority over his own men. And that is why the President Blaise Compaoré has chosen, through the newly appointed apolitical Prime Minister, dialogue and consultation with various groups which had been protesting; but it seems that the civil society is more attentive and aware about the president’s offers not to be only cosmetic measures that would enable him to keep the presidency chair.