Interim Leader Of Burkina Faso To Be Sworn In Today

                       Michel Kafando/ Transitional President of Burkina Faso

The newly designated interim president of Burkina Faso , Michel Kafando, will be sworn in today. The former foreign minister Michel Kafando, was designated on Monday in a key step towards restoring democratic civilian rule. This, after the dramatic turn of events which saw a military take over after longtime President Blaise Compaore resigned and fled the country on Oct. 31 amid mass protests against his attempt to change the constitution and extend his 27-year rule.

Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida stepped in the next day and declared himself leader.

The African Union (AU) then gave Zida, the operational commander of the elite presidential guard, two weeks to re-establish civilian rule or face sanctions. On Saturday, he restored the constitution, which was suspended when Compaore was forced from power.

The committee which chose the transitional leader, was drawn from the army, traditional and religious groups, civil society and Burkina's political parties, chose Michel Kafando from among five candidates in a closed-door meeting from Sunday till early Monday morning.

His candidacy was proposed by the army.

"The choice of Michel Kafando is judicious," said Simon Compaore, a leader of the opposition People's Movement for Progress (MPP) party.

"We're also satisfied to see that Lieutenant Colonel Zida kept to his word," said the opposition politician, who is not related to the former president.

Kafando, who also twice served as ambassador to the United Nations, will be sworn in today,  to lead the nation to elections next year at which he will be barred from standing.

His first task will be to name a prime minister to appoint a 25-member transitional government.

"This is more than an honour. It's a true mission which I will take with the utmost seriousness," Kafando said following his appointment.