Canada, Burkina Faso, Ghana and all the in-betweens

30.4.11

Developments

The highly anticipated protest in Ouagadougou took place today. It was the result of demands by 34 opposition parties to end Compaoré's rule as President. It's been reported hundreds of civilians turned up for the protest, lower numbers than originally expected. Despite this opposition parties are calling the demonstration a success. Interestingly enough protestors continued to compare Burkina's unrest to that of Tunisia through chants such as "Compaoré = Ben Ali" (Ben Ali is the former President of Tunisia). 

Earlier this week newly-appointed Prime Minister M. Tiao announced measures, which included subsidies and tax breaks, to control the rising cost of living in Burkina Faso. Despite this protests continued to arise across the country. On friday protests in Manga (southern Burkina) left at least four protestors injured. 

Wednesday's protest in Ouagadougou is reported to have left many injured. Most devastating was today's announcement that an eleven year old boy, hit by a stray bullet fired by police in the same protest, passed away this morning. This following an announcement that police, after negotiations with the Compaoré government, have agreed to put an end to their protest. (Source [English])

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