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])

Burkina, Burkina

After a week of relative calm, protests were noted in different parts of the country on Wednesday. In Koudougou the mayor's house, and police headquarters, were torched by merchants in protest of new policies (article [french] here). Gunshots were also reported across Ouagadougou and Bobo Dialasso and 5 other cities. It's been reported these events were driven by the police force. 

Burkina's opposition parties have been calling for a country-wide protest April 30th in protest of the Compaoré government. This protest is expected to be large, and should be a point of continued prayer. 

The Scoop

THE SHORT: I will not be travelling to Burkina Faso tomorrow. 

THE LONG: With the recent developments in Burkina I decided I couldn’t travel without taking time to re-evaluate my travel. I desperately wanted to travel and spent most of last week convincing myself it would still be possible. Eventually I broke down when it became obvious my plans weren’t in line with God’s. And, although my decision was impacted by the recent developments, and travel advisories issued for Burkina, it was also made independent in that I spent time in prayer seeking God’s will. I made my decision recognizing full well that total peace may return to Burkina this week, and that he may not give the same answer to other people wanting to travel to Burkina.

This was by far the most difficult decision I’ve made. The children of Sheltering Wings, and people of Yako, remain in my heart and thoughts constantly. I’m confident that although this may is not the time to spend time with my brothers and sisters in Burkina this was also not my last opportunity to see them. (See here) 

Despite the fact that deciding to not travel to Burkina has torn my heart up (yes, I’ve cried more than a few tears!) I feel at peace about the decision. 

And I am encouraged and excited about travelling to Ghana. I will now be leaving Calgary on May 12th. 

45 Seconds

Today is World Malaria Day 

I have been amazed at the impact a single illness can have on a country. Here are the two biggest things that have changed my perception of malaria.

Poverty has been shown to affect an individual's understanding of malaria as well as their prevention and treatment options.  I take for granted the conceptualization of illness that we in the western world have. And I take for granted our health education. Because poverty and education are interdependent factors many people in the third world have a limited understanding of malaria.

Malaria diagnosis is not effective. Although many individuals suffering from malaria never see a medical professional, those who do are often misdiagnosed. The absence of malaria testing kits (2$ for a onetime kit that can be administered by a nurse) means malaria is often over diagnosed (building drug immunity) and can be misdiagnosed (for something with the same symptoms). Diagnosis based on the symptoms (headache, nausea, fever) is inadequate but it is happening all too often.

The State of Things

It's a little difficult figuring out what all is going on Burkina these days. There continue to be reports of military being behind carjackings & hotel robberies, as well as military invading civilian compounds.
While some citizens of Ouaga report life continues at a semi-normal pace, others report things have been a little more crazy.
Protests arose in Yako and Koudougou this week. Schools in the area have been closed more than they have been opened. Some expatriates have begun to prepare to leave Burkina, and organizations have temporarily shifted staff into safer positions within the country.
A new prime minister has been named, and senior military officers are calling for peace. Thus far shifts in government, and appeals of those higher up, have failed to appease the masses that call simply for Compaoré to leave office.
In Yako the call remains to have the blacklist removed - and government officials have promised an answer this week. The reshuffle of cabinet is expect to bring calm.

It's crazy stuff.
We wait for news & we pray.

Look here and especially here for what I consider the best summaries of the events in Burkina Faso. 

Mutiny

I have to admit that it happened. I panicked about what is happening in Burkina. Somewhere between reports of the government being dissolved on friday, and continued mutiny throughout the weekend, I lost it. Blame it on emotions, or stress, or a combination thereof, whatever it was it caused my head to be somewhere else.  I struggled to think of anything else. So here's the lowdown. 

For most, the dismissal of Compaoré's government was a sign of great distress. And I wouldn't suggest this should be understood to be any different, however this doesn't breed full understanding. The president dismisses his government following every election. As such, in isolation, this dismissal shouldn't be considered cause for great concern but only in the context of the past month's events. 

Friday to saturday night the military continued demonstrations in Ouagadougou. The reports appear all too common: shooting, looting & car theft. There are conflicting reports of what ouagadougou was like during the night. While some expats some reported the experience to be "terrifying", others suggested they aren't fearful and that life has simply established a new normal. A new dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed in Ouagadougou from the hours of 19h to 6am. Saturday morning angry shop keepers lit buildings in Ouagadougou on fire. One of these buildings included the ruling party's headquarters. 

Sunday Ouagadougou was reported to be calm, while protests have commenced in Pô and Tenkodogo. Pô, a town on the Ghanian border, is the home of military training camps for Burkina. The explanation for protests in all three cities is unpaid dues for Burkinabé military that participated in the war in Ivory Coast. 

today's events

It's now been confirmed that Compaoré did flee Ouagadougou last night in response to military unrest and shooting at the presidential palace. Blaise did not stay away for long, however; today Compaoré dissolved his parliament, named a new army chief, and announced secretary generals of ministerial departments would maintain order until new appointments were made. (Source) It's suggested the continued unrest that is spreading through military camps is in response to unpaid dues in the past months.

Most citizens in Ouagadougou stayed out of the streets during the day of the 15th. Throughout the night of the 15th-16th there were reports of military shooting & looting in residential neighbourhoods (not reports of injuries), and military intimidating citizens. Others have reported the military are responsible for carjackings in the Ouagadougou area. Nearing 4am on the morning of the 16th most citizens began announcing quiet was setting over the city.

Today's events have caused people to question if Compaoré can maintain peace in Burkina, and if he will be able to hold the position of power he's had since 1987. For the past weeks there have been rumours circulating that Compaoré has fallen victim of a coup d'état. After today many people are left wondering if there will come a point in the near future when these rumours become reality. 

For now we wait. And we pray. 

unrest in ouaga

Just jotting down a couple notes before dashing out the door....

There appears to be more unrest in Ouagadougou today. Earlier today there were shots fired at the presidential palace, and rumour has it that Blaise Compaoré has fled.
The military are reported to be seeking their backpay. Others suspect this is an attempted coup d'état. Thus far it appears this poses no threat to civilians although there is a curfew in place.

Therese's surgery went well, but she continues to need prayers for healing, rest and comfort during this difficult stage. 

little T

If you're a prayer can you pray for Therese today?

This morning she will have a 2.5 hour open heart surgery to correct her heart defect. Pray that God will calm Therese's anxiety, and give her comfort today and throughout the healing process. 

Pray for the doctor's and nurses that will be working with Therese.  Pray for Therese's family that they would find peace in the difficult moments of this process. 

Trusting.

P.S. Thanks Therese for being the guest artist for today's picture!   

Turning the Page

Cote D'Ivoire has turned a "painful page" in it's history, according to President Alassane Ouattara.

No need to backtrack that wasn't a typo; Ouattara is President. Although he's been recognized by the international community as president for the past four months, former president Laurent Gbagbo has, until today, refused to leave office. It's been reported, however, that today Gbagbo and his wife were captured by troops loyal to Ouattara.

Ouattara has promised to commence judicial processes for Gbagbo and to institute a truth and reconciliation committee. He urges a return to order and calm for the country and pleads to all involved in the conflict to set aside their arms. His speech can be view here. He suggests a "white page" is open for Ivory Coast, and it is now that the country has a chance to write their history together. A beautiful sentiment.

Ouattara is viewed to have strong ties to Burkina. Perhaps a little more stability in Côte will aid the situation in Burkina. Problems in Burkina have arisen from different circumstances, but it's certain the conflict in Côte has impacted Burkina. At the very least the Ivory Coast conflict has lead to increased inflation which resulted in the April 8th protests against la vie chère. 

Burkina saw a less optimistic turn of events today. 

Student protests in Yako today lead to school closures (until the 13th at best), damage to public property and a provincial representative's house being burned down. It appears students were protesting the fact that some had been "blacklisted" (meaning they will not be able to write exams to complete their school year) following violent protests earlier this month.

Every hope is that protests will subside and students will permitted to complete their school year.

Every hope is that peace will return to the small West African Nation.

We wait & we pray. 

10 000

Today's protest in Burkina Faso drew 10 000 to the streets nationwide. The protest was against rising food prices and according to some to send the message that "[Burkina Faso] is badly governed." (source)

The rising food prices in Burkina have been linked to the war in Cote D'Ivoire, as the conflict has limited imports to Burkina. 

As of yet there haven't been reports of violence during these protests & it's hoped schools will re-open shortly. If the schools aren't reopened soon the risk becomes one of an année blanche, in which every student will have to redo this school year.

We wait. We pray.

to quote K'naan

the worst thing is the waiting man. 

And even if you aren't an avid K'naan fan I'm sure you can identify with the sentiment. The worst part about unrest (for me here) is waiting to see what will happen next. In the past months we've seen the continent of Africa explode. From conflicts in North Africa, protests & problem presidents in West Africa, to student strikes in South Africa. It's all been a little too much for the world. 

And the crazy thing is this: there are multiple reasons for the protests. Each country has a unique set of interrelated issues that have lead to the unrest. And while each country faces unique circumstances there are unifiers too. One of these is the rising cost of food. 

Burkina is no exception to this. Protests planned for April 8 seek to raise awareness to the plight of rising prices (la vie cher) in Burkina. In response to these planned protests schools have been closed again and are not expect to open until after the 8th. (Source) 

The relationship between rising food prices and in-country protests is not a new phenomena. It’s a relationship that has been graphed, charted & observed for years. We saw increased rioting in 2008 as food prices reached all time highs. And today, as food prices reach similar levels (the average family in the 3rd world is spending 50% of their budget on food), protests have spread like wildfire. See Good's February article on this issue here.  

In other news: 

The soldier accused of raping a 14 year old girl has been returned to prison. He was freed last week during protests in Fada N’Gourma. (source) 

and now...?

Although the curfew has been lifted in Burkina that doesn't mean all is solved.

Students have been told classes will run a month longer than previously expected (until mid-June) and citizens are in a process of determining a "new normal". The new normal is a period of adjustment found when one reconcile's what's happened with the new way of life. For Burkina this new normal will, at best, look like re-establishing confidence. At worst, for some citizens, this will mean dealing with loss and heartache.

Let's do as we always do: Wait - for news that continues as normal is once again established. And pray - for the country as they do just this. 

exclamation point

I got the same news several times today, but every time it was just as exciting. 

To the best of my understanding the streets of Ouagadougou have been free of gunfire for 2 days now. And - the Marshall Law (or curfew) in Burkina Faso was lifted today!

It seems all is calm. I don't think I need to elaborate. It's fantastic news to know all is well. 

Connected

As I write this images of the war in Ivory Coast invade my television screen: gunshot wounds, angry protests & locked houses. In Côte people are wondering where one president is, and are wondering if the other will gain power. 

Several days ago I asked a question I never expected an answer to. I wondered if the events in Burkina are connected to the protests in other countries. Clearly the events in Burkina have different roots (and what of the goals?), but perhaps some of the 'energy' has crossed borders. Slogans such as "Koudougou is Burkina's Eritrea" and "Burkina Will Have Its Egypt" (source) indicate that perhaps to some extent this is the case. And although far from encouraging, this makes sense; we live in an interconnected world. With so many Burkinabe living in Côte D'Ivoire it's no wonder that tensions from one country trickled across the border. It's only a little surprising to discover Compaoré graduated from Qadafi's 'World Revoluntionary Centre'. 

The good news is that in Burkina people report life has adapted some normalcy. Despite curfews, and gunfire in Ouagadougou (not every night, but many) the citizens have come to be okay with the new levels of tensions. The disheartening news today is that email and text messages circulating Burkina Faso are calling for the citizens to rise up against Compaoré and demand he leave office. 

This is an incredibly well done story (in English!) that I'd encourage you to read. It gives a lot of background on the riots in the 1990s and early 2000s (including the Norbert Zongo case). The difference between current protests and those are the ways in which military and police have been targeted (as seen in Yako). 

Here is the final paragraph of the article and a chilling conclusion: 

"And when one reads the various commentaries on the failure of the struggle in the wake of the Norbert Zongo affair and on developments in North Africa, one gets the feeling that the youth this time (and the less young who also came out spontaneously) is convinced that a formal organisation isn’t necessary to kick a leader out" (Pambazuka News, 2011). 

And with very little new information surfacing we do what we can. 

We wait, we pray. 

Faso Updates

Compaoré met yesterday with officers from the military as well as officials from the justice system. It's been reported that the military was satisfied with the conversation. A participant in the meeting suggested the recents events in Burkina have been a way for the population to express dissatisfaction that has built up over a number of years.

Following the meeting, a young military had this to say:

"Be assured, from today on it's done. Here we are human, and I believe that we (as humans) make errors. Today, we are proud to be here. I believe that this is an incident that has come about. Everyone has taken it upon themselves to assured there won't be more incidents. We [the military] is here for the population. We are very please to have met with the president of Burkina. I am almost thirty, and I have never met my president face to face. I am very proud. I told him what I think...after what he told us we are all happy."  

Compaoré had this to say following the meetings:

"I am very satisfied, because I had the occasion, to a large extent, to mention the concerns that are essentiel, to reinforce command in the army but also to help their working conditions and the work of the soldiers." 

Despite the seemingly successful meetings yesterday, Burkina's opposition parties are calling for Compaoré to resign. They suggest he has failed to live up to his constitutional responsibilities of acting as chief of the military and is consequently no longer able to confront the issues facing Burkina. Opposition leader (and unsuccessful Presidential candidate for the November 2010 elections) Bénéwendé Stanislas Sankara, is quoted as saying "[Blaise Compaoré is] definitely and absolutely hindered from fulfilling his role".  It appears politicians are not the only ones calling for Blaise to resign as high school students in Tenkodogo have adopted "Blaise dehors" or "Out Blaise" as their protest slogan. It remains unclear to what extent protests in Tenkodogo continue. 

For the better part of the past week rumours have surfaced, nearly daily, that Compaoré has fallen victim of a coup d'etat. Most recently these reports have argued son of late president Thomas Sankara has taken over. These claims appear totally unsubstantiated.

In other news, Air France and Delta Air are in a process of restructuring their flight schedules to comply with the newly implemented curfew. This has resulted in cancelled flights for Air France. And it is reported that the situation at the Ouagadougou airport is nothing but confusing and online flight information (especially Flight Stats) seems to have not yet been properly adjusted.

(Quotes roughly translated from French. See the original quotes here and here.) 

Patientez

In Burkina when you are waiting on something, or someone, everyone says "Patientez" (be patient) or "Patientez un peu" (be a little patient). Sometimes I love this. Coming from a culture where I can get (almost) everything right when I need (or want) it, I have discovered something refreshing in needing to wait. Maybe, it is less the waiting I enjoy and more about the attitude with regards to time. In Burkina, time is not constantly something that is fleeting but something that there is always more of, waiting is okay because it's not a thief but a process. 

Sometimes though, waiting is just plain annoying. There are times in Burkina (and oodles in Canada) when I just don't want to wait for something. 

The later sentiment is the one I feel with regards to news about the current events. While I hope for a quick and peaceful resolution I can't begin to venture a guess as to what Burkina needs right now. I am a player in 'the waiting game'. And we all know it's a game nobody likes to play. But I will try to take a lesson from the Burkinabe and patientez.