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.
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