Ex-Burkina president Compaore in Ivory Coast

Deposed Burkina Faso president Blaise Compaore is currently in a luxury hotel in Ivory Coast’s capital Yamoussoukro, witnesses said Saturday.

“The services of the President hotel in Yamoussoukro served him (Compaore) dinner yesterday (Friday) and breakfast this morning (Saturday),” according to a hotel employee.

Another local resident said he saw “a long cortege of around 30 cars going in the direction of the villa,” which is used as a semi-official residence for foreign dignitaries.

Burkina army backs Lieutenant-Colonel Zida to lead transition: statement

Burkina Faso’s army on Saturday backed Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Zida to lead a transition period after the ousting of president Blaise Compoare, according to a statement published after a meeting of army chiefs.

“Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Zida was chosen unanimously to lead the transition period opened after the departure of president Compaore,” said the statement signed by General Navere Honore Traore, who had initially said he would himself assume power.

Zida, the second in command of the presidential guard, said Friday he had assumed “the responsibilities of head of the transition and of head of state” to ensure a “smooth democratic transition”.