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Burkina Faso's Transitional Parliament Meets for First Time

Burkina Faso's interim parliament met for the first time Thursday following the setting up of a transitional government to return the west African country to civilian rule.

A new government lineup was unveiled on Sunday, led by career diplomat Michel Kafando.

The interim government is to steer the landlocked country of nearly 17 million until elections due to be held in November 2015.

Burkina Faso's military seized power on October 31 after president Blaise Compaore was ousted in a popular revolt sparked by his bid to extend his 27-year hold on power.

The 90-member interim parliament includes 30 members from the opposition, 25 representatives from civil society and 10 members from Compaore's camp.

The 25 other seats are held by the military.

Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida, who took power amid the popular uprising, has since been named prime minister in the interim government.

The session was held in a hotel as the national parliament was torched during the violent anti-Compaore protests.

Source: Agence France Presse


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