The editor of the weekly Bendré newspaper has become the head of Burkina Faso’s Natonal Transition Committee. Cherif Moumina Sy occupied the position after defeating Ibrahim Koné in a contest last week.
The council’s 90 members comprises of 30 opposition politicians, 25 civil society representatives, 10 members of the ousted regime of Blaisse Compaore and 25 army officers.
Mr. Sy, who was critical journalist to the Compaore regime, had earlier occupied many leadership positions in the field of journalism, including The African Editor’s Forum. He was grateful for the confidence and trust bestowed on him, vowing to play by the books in executing his duties.
The elected council serves as the legislative organ of the Interim government of Michel Kafondo until elections are held in 2015.
Sy was elected with more than 80 percent of the votes in a secret ballot election held in the capital Ouagadougou.
The parliament had its first session in a Ouagadougou hotel in the presence of diplomats and government representatives, including Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida.
Protesters had earlier razed down the parliament building, in protest against legislators for legislating a law allowing Compaore to contest next year’s elections.
After observing a minute silence for the martyrs who died in the popular uprising that led to the ousting of President Compaore, Speaker Sy hailed the international community for its role in resolving the Burkinabe crisis. He urged members to strive hard for the good of their country’s future.
Speaker said as children of one country, it behooves on them to unite for a common cause. “History will judge us harshly if we do not succeed in our mission,” he said.
The transition authority issued a report revealing that the popular October 30 and 31st uprisings claimed the lives of 24 people and injured 625 others.
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