Normalcy returning to Burkina Faso after protests

Ouagadougou, Nov 4: Normalcy returned to Burkina Faso on Tuesday following the army's promise of a "transition body" after taking power during protests last week that forced President Blaise Compaore to resign and flee.

Sources said schools in Burkina Faso also reopened Monday after suspension by the government just a day before the protests, Xinhua reported.

Long queues of people were seen at petrol bunks, banks, bus stops, public offices as well as in shops and there were heavy traffic jams in Ouagadougou.

At the moment, the army, which is leading the transition, is still negotiating with the political opposition and the civil society groups. The negotiations are expected to result into a civilian-led transition government.

Over 46 percent of Burkina Faso's 17 million people live below the poverty line.

"Now that order has started returning, I think we should go back to work. Do not forget that we are a very poor country," one restaurant owner said.

Interim President Isaac Zida, supported by the military, said Sunday that the army would cede power to a "transitional body" following a meeting with stakeholders.

IANS