Coup leader steps down as President Michel Kofando takes charge

Burkina Faso's Interim President Michel Kafando says he is back and in charge with civilian rule restored nearly a week after a coup.

His announcement came as coup leader Gen. Gilbert Diendere welcomed several African leaders arriving to oversee the transfer of power.

His presidential guard agreed to a deal last night with the regular army to avoid violence.

They pledged to return to barracks while the army withdraws from the capital, Ouagadougou.

The presidential guard is loyal to Blaise Compaore, the country's long-time ruler who was ousted in a popular uprising last year.

The elite troops installed Gen Diendere as the leader last week, a month before elections had been due.  

They detained President Kafando during a cabinet meeting last Wednesday.


BBC