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Commentary
Political Transition in Burkina Faso: the Fall of Blaise Compaoré
Author:
Bettina Engels
Freie Universität Berlin
Otto Suhr Institute of Political Science, DE
About Bettina
Bettina Engels is junior professor for empirical conflict studies focussing on sub-Saharan Africa at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. Her research focuses on contentious politics and popular struggles, conflicts over land and natural resources and sub-Saharan Africa (Western Africa, Horn of Africa).
Abstract
This commentary traces recent regime change and political transition in Burkina Faso. After mass demonstrations Blaise Compaoré was forced to resign his presidency on 31 October 2014. His resignation was preceded by his attempt to change the constitution to allow him to stand for a fifth consecutive term in office. It is argued in this briefing that the way Compaoré’s rule ended should have come as no surprise because it was typical of both Burkina Faso’s political history since decolonisation and also the army’s historical role in the country’s presidential turnover. It was also typical of the current wave of mass protest struggles taking place in other African countries.
How to Cite:
Engels, B., 2015. Political Transition in Burkina Faso: the Fall of Blaise Compaoré. Governance in Africa, 2(1), p.Art. 3. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/gia.ai
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