Land of the Upright

Ouagadougou: Wogdog

 The airport is now closed in compliance with the curfew. Thus no air traffic between 9pm and 6am is permitted. However it appears the airport is not completely closed.

This is in correction to a previous post in which I suggested the airport was simply closed. Information is coming so fast and from so many places sometimes it's hard to know it's for sure. This latest information is coming from Burkinabe so I trust it to be reliable.
-----
Edit 17h46 MST
In today's meetings in Ouagadougou senior officials in the military spoke to Blaise Compaore and suggested "the population can stay calm" - suggesting there's no need for panic.

Compaore & Gbagbo

Some reports indicate Gbagbo has fled the Ivory Coast - likely to Burkina Faso. 

It has been suggested Gbagbo has only hours left in office, although nothing appears certain at this point. Cote D'Ivoire and Burkina Faso remains under curfews. While the military in Burkina seeks exemption from the law, Ivory Coast fights to maintain law and have Ouattara in his rightful place as President. 

Burkina 
No news yet on Compaoré's meeting with the military. The most recent news gives Compaoré credit for this quote: "The behaviour observed recently in some parts is inconsistent with military ethics, the scared principles of the republic and has tarnished the image of the defence forces" (Reuters)
Ruth has been in touch and has indicated "no need to panic" but continues to ask we pray. 


Ivory Coast 
This day (the 31st) has been an eventful day in Abidjan. Reports remain scattered and it appears details are few and far between. What is known  is this: Ouattara's forces have gained significant ground (inavded Abidjan?) and UN Forces have gained control of the airport. Gbagbo's loyalists have begun fleeing the country. Other reports have suggested  Gbagbo's troops are "defecting in mass". No word yet from Gbagbo, save for quotes from those close to him, suggesting "he will never step down". 
There have been increased reports of massacres at the hands of Gbagbo troops. One man recently tweeted "my sister is missing, her Imam and his family have all been murdered. I have a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach". In all the chaos there have been multitudes of reports of looting. One man is quoted as saying the moment he realized the pillaging was bad was when he saw "a pregnant woman" among the hoardes of people running through abandoned homes. 

We wait. We pray.

Vive

I'm writing this in the early hours here, but in Burkina the day is already beginning. And that means updates on the current situation.

President of Burkina, Blaise Compaoré, released a statement on the 30th. 

Until now he has remained relatively silent through the unrest. Compaoré addressed the demonstrations that have 'disturbed the tranquil life of the general population and compromised security, peace and social cohesion of Burkina' firstly in addressing his condolences to the people of Burkina most affected by the demonstrations. He then addressed his 'fellow men' and argued blatant disregard for the law would not be tolerated in a state based on rights. Compaoré suggested the measures (largely economic) his government seeks to go to maintain peace in the 'state of rights' and the way in which they are seeking to aid victims of the demonstrations. Finally Compaoré called upon the citizens of Burkina to stay strong, be patriotic and protect Burkina just as they have done during past struggles. 

Compaoré finished his address by saying "Vive la Republique, vive le Burkina Faso" or 'long live the republic, long live Burkina Faso'. 

A few quick updates: 

• The military took to demonstrations and shooting North of Ouagadougou (Yako lies Northern of Ouaga) the night of the 30th to 31st. 
• Marsahll Law has been imposed and a curfew of 9pm through 6am is in place all across Burkina (not just Ouaga as previously suggested). 
• Blaise Compaoré is scheduled to meet with militants today in Ouagadougou to discuss the current unrest. 
• Some news sources have suggested the unrest is manifestations of a rebelling army. This is serious news when one considers Burkina's history the marks no peaceful changes of head of state. 

Recent notes have suggested an air of "serenity" has returned to Ouagadougou following a night under marhsall law.
Word is 'things are calm in Yako' despite the implementation of Marshall law.

Dieu merci - Thank God. 

Alarming

Lately every time I think things are calming down in Burkina something else happens.

The recent reports out of Burkina are:

• Military in FadaN'Gourma have shot a rocket into the local courthouse and blocked the city off with tanks. Background on the unrest in FadaN'Gourma here. 
• Simon Compaoré, mayor of Ouagadougou, was attacked by military and his home was ransacked. Simon Compaoré is considered third to rule in Burkina (behind the President and the Prime Minister)  
• Blaise Compaoré, President of Burkina Faso, is scheduled to meet with the military tomorrow (Thursday) as he calls for calm. It appears his calls have been ignored. It is suggested Blaise is "between the devil and the deep blue sea" (entre le marteau et l'enclume). This dilemma is rooted in the balance between justice and the desires of the military. 
• Some reports have suggested Blaise Compaoré was also attacked, alongside Simon. I suggest this is false as last week reports suggested Blaise had fallen victim of a coup d'etat. 
• The University of Ouagadougou reopened today. The atmosphere was suggested to be sombre.

 A very jaded perspective of these events would say Burkina is due for this kind of unrest for many reasons that include:
1. Burkina's neck of the woods includes Ivory Coast and Niger - both countries that have experienced intense civil unrest in recent months (and in Cote's case years).
2. Burkina has experienced little more than union strikes (petrol companies, and banks) since the last coup d'etat in 1987.
With this in mind...
It shouldn't be considered surprising that student groups and military remain part of the unrest in Burkina or that reports of military unrest across the country continue to surface (especially in Bobo Dialassou - Burkina's second largest city). 

The fact that a curfew on the city of Ouagadougou has been imposed has caught no one off guard. 

It's not surprising that any of this is happening, but it is concerning. It's not alarming, but it deserves our attention and our prayers. 

The Good News or The Bad News?

Notes from across the way:


The Bad News: Soldiers in Fada N'Gourma took to the streets today, shooting (thankfully no looting) in protest to another soldier's conviction and imprisonment. The prisoner, convicted of juvenile rape, was released by his comrades. This protest seems to mimic the protests in Ouagadougou last week.
[For reference: Fada N'Gourma is east of Ouagadougou while Yako is North-West.]


The Sad News: Two Burkinabe peace keepers in Darfour were found dead today in an apparent murder/suicide. One was second in command of the operations and the other a sergeant. Most accounts suggest there was a quarrel between the men. Protocol for a fallen soldier was followed in bringing the men back to Burkina.

The Good News: The Junior Stallions are rocking! Today they beat Namibia 4 - 0. Can't wait to see how they do at the Junior World Cup.

The Great News: School started again today in Burkina. So far I haven't heard of anything out of place for classes resuming. The University is scheduled to open it's doors again tomorrow; this comes after negotiations between the university's students union and the government. 

Shooting & Looting Update

I have very little in terms of an update on Wednesday's events. Here is what I can tell you:

• An official apology for the events has been issued by the military and small business owners can claim damages for a refund from the government. 
• The five military that spurred protests have been released from prison. Authorities are seeking another solution. 
• By all appearances the man attacked by the five military men has recovered. 

In other news, school in Burkina is scheduled to recommence tomorrow. 

Shooting and Looting.

I received an email this morning, the same one many of you connected to Sheltering Wings might have found in your inbox. The call was for urgent prayer.

It seems like the word I use most often when describing the current events in Burkina Faso is this: conflicting reports. That's just it though, all the way across the ocean I'm convinced I'm never quite getting  all the information. For the most part it appears to be this:

THE WHY Yesterday five military persons were handed lengthy jail sentences (12-18months) for an attack related to a "sex scandal". Some reports are that the military men attacked a non-military that was having illicit affairs with one of their wives. Their jail sentences mean they will be removed from the military.

THE WHAT Yesterday evening military men from the same base at the convicted, upset over the ruling, took to the streets. Shooting and looting they raided shops, shot rounds into the air, and joined with military groups from all over Ouagadougou. Most reports say this act of solidarity to their peers lasted 3 or so hours. Early reports suggest 10 civilians were injured in the demonstration.

AND NOW? Here's where the reports differ. Some reports suggest most people are staying at home today and not venturing out and some suggest the government has told citizens to stay out of the streets.  Most reports agree that government offices, and the majority of businesses are closed today.

One report suggested that Burkina Faso's situation right now is precarious. 

I think we can all agree; this doesn't appear to be a positive development for a country that has already been facing civil unrest. The government recently closed all schools for a 2 week break, following the demonstrations in the Justin Zongo case.

We wait. We pray. 

Ruth's email: 

Happy World Water Day

Photo taken in Ouagadougou; 

 waiting until the pump in the community is 'turned back on' so reserves for the day can be filled up. 

In this particular community pumps were shut down for 20 - 23 hours a day and usually came on late at night. Each family then scrambled to get a hold of water sufficient enough for the next day. It appeared this was not commonplace - that normally pumps functioned for longer, but this had been happening for a number of weeks in the midst of 50degree temperatures. 

"Yako" Ivory Coast

Tensions in the Ivory Coast continue to rise and fears of civil war have grown in the past few days. 

Elected President Ouattara has left his camp in the Ivory Coast to travel to Nigeria in hopes of gaining regional support for his seeking to gain control of the country. Meanwhile rebel groups have continued to invade villages. It appears both Ouattara and Gbagbo have foreign mercenaris fighting for their cause. 

I read a moving article by the BBC's John James. Here is the section that struck a chord in my heart: 

Ivorians wanted one president but they got two, they wanted peace and they got war, they were promised debt relief, but instead the country defaulted on its debt, they wanted prosperity and the economy shut down.

There is an important word here that I have never found the equivalent for in English - "Yako". It is a deeply-felt way of saying, "I'm so sorry".

Ivory Coast, "Yako".

What Does Science Say?

Burkina Faso 
I was curious about how there could be such discrepancy between protestors and the government as to the cause of death of Justin Zongo. And then after a little research I discovered this: traumatic head injury resulting in fracture of the skull can cause meningitis. Acute Bacterial Meningitis or Staphylococcus aureus to be exact. I think it's hard to deny mistreatment in Zongo's case but is it impossible to deny that he did indeed have meningitis? Maybe, just maybe, both parties are right in this situation. 


I haven't got a lot of new information about the situation in Burkina. What I do know is this: the President has spoken publicly to condemn the acts that lead to Zongo's death, and more officials have lost their positions. That brings the tally to two police officers, a head of police and a governor. (Source)


We keep watching, waiting, praying.

Official

flag of Burkina Faso

I've hinted at it, but now that I'm holding tickets it's official.

I'll be spending 2 weeks in Burkina Faso, then 6 weeks in Ghana, then another week (and a bit) in Burkina. 

I'll be leaving Calgary April 28th and returning July 3rd. 

It's been a crazy road getting to this point, but it's exciting. I'll tell you more about what's got me to this point some other day. 

flag of Ghana

7h30

In a few minutes (7h30 Burkina time/ 12:30AM MST) student groups will march in Ouagadougou. 

Nation-wide protests were started by the February 20th death of Justin Zongo. The ensuing deaths of four students and a police officer gave protestors more reason to stay in the streets and out of schools. Schools have now been indefinitely closed.

I recently came across a protestor's declaration of intent and demands. These published by the 'Jeunes de la Region Centre-Ouest' or the 'Youth of the Central-West Region'.The documents presented by the Youth suggest removing all of the government is necessary for Burkina to move forward. They demand an interim government be put in place and elections to be held in 2012. 

Know these declarations (or the information outlined above) do not encompass my personal opinions. Read the declaration in english here and in french here.

From the above one can conclude the protests that started in the name of 'Justice for Justin' have reached a more political goal. 

I have also read an interview with Zongo’s father. He asks for peace in the country, and for his son’s death to be dealt with through the courts. He states he trusts the government to bring justice and while the protests regarding his son's death have encouraged him he doesn't wish to see them continue. 

~Continuing to pray for peace. 


****EDIT 9h03 (MST)

I have found a different declaration of intent/demands produced by le "Mouvement des Sans-Voix Burkina" (MSV) roughly translated the 'Movement of The Voiceless of Burkina' . While similar in nature the demands are more focused on demanded transparency and justice, and less about removing the current government. The document can be found in french here (I haven't found an english translation just yet). This is the list of demands posted to the facebook group that has been used to organize (in part) the demonstrations in Ouagadougou.

Also the Canadian Press has posted a short summary about the March 11, 2011 protest. The article lists yet a different set of demands than are listed by the MSV or the Youth of the Central-West Region. 

Word is...

The word is that things are calm in Yako today.
There is no school as the government has called a National Strike. Continue to pray for a peaceful resolution and that school will start again soon.




Photo credit goes here 

West African Neighbours

I have no recent news from Burkina but I found this about Cote D'Ivoire.

I simply wanted to post this link to a report by the International Crisis Group. It recognizes similar issues I raised in my post West Africa (but is obviously much better informed!) the main issue being that Cote d'Ivoire is headed towards a civil war if the world doesn't intervene.

According to the report already more than 300 citizens have been killed and countless have been raped and killed. The International Crisis Group makes recommendations for what measures need to be taken in order to avoid civil war which includes more UN presence and a greater presence from ECOWAS.

And so we wait and we watch. And we stay informed. And we pray.

Protests in Yako

The What: Students in Burkina Faso are striking despite government orders to return to school.

Why? After protests in the northern city of Koudougou last month a student was killed. While the government maintains the student died of meningitis, protestors argue he was killed by police. There are conflicting reports that suggest a police officer and four additional students have been killed.

The Current Stuff: Yesterday protests in several cities were taken to new levels. In Yako students set fire to the local police station releasing more than a dozen inmates. Similar protests took place in three other Northern cities of Burkina. In Ouagadougou the public library was set ablaze and nothing remains. At least one government official has lost their job due to the way issues in Koudougou were handled.

The hope: A peaceful resolution resulting in students returning to school. The longer schools are closed the less likely students will be able to finish this school year - and most will be forced to repeat next year.

You're Invited: You're invited to stay informed! And pray through this news.

Check out news from News 24 and The Washington Post  or the New York Times

Picture from here 


***UPDATE March 7, 15:47
According to Fasozine: Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 8) there is a student protest in Ouagadougou.
Police visited families of the deceased and injured in Koudougou yesterday afternoon. Initial reports are that calm has begun to return to the region where civil unrest has been present for the past two weeks. This via AfricaTime News 

I love this game...

Last year I told you a bit about this game I adore. The game involves family and friends discovering Burkina Faso in funny places and then telling me about it. I am always pleased and amazed. There is no official points system (although some family members turn up a lot more Burkina references than others) and consequently no way of winning. The goal is simply to share funny things about this little country.

So when my parents watched Lords of War and one of the characters says he is going to Burkina Faso they  went up in the 'rankings' for finding Burkina. (Although the only legit competition is my Grandmother - the three of them find Burkina mentioned everywhere!). And when my Dad listened to a program about malaria on CBC that mentioned the problem in Burkina Faso I was equally excited. Just as excited as I was when my mom heard a trivia show ask the capital of Burkina.

But I also love these stories.... Ones where people don't believe that little country exists.

My little brother was a part of a model UN group at school. When the time came for the practice round he heard the kid sitting behind him say "Burkina Faso? Where the heck is Burkina Faso?". My brother promptly turned around and switched cards with him.
The weekend after the real thing he mentioned model UN in class. His professor asked what country he was and the following discussion ensued:
Professor: You were Eritrea? Where even is that?!
Brother: Africa
Professor: There are so many little African countries we've never heard of! For example Burkina Faso! Has anyone ever heard of that! 
Brother: My sister goes there. 
Professor: What?! 
Brother: She works at an orphanage that's north of the capital city of Ouagadougou.
Professor: I was going to accuse you of making that up, but you just said Ouagadougou.

I told my brother I think this puts him on the charts. He might have a bit of catching up to do to have the same score as M&D but he's doing pretty well.