Burkina Faso schools shut over referendum fears By TAMBA JEAN-MATTHEW in Dakar Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore. Authorities in Burkina Faso have ordered learning institutions closed this week due to the tension over a planned referendum. The West Africa Democracy Radio quoted a ministerial statement explaining that the move would enable students stay out of danger emanating from the planned demonstrations. Tension is palpable across the country with riot police deployed at various strategic points having brief standoffs with demonstrators. Analysts say the developments were a recipe for bloody confrontations and a subsequent break down of law and order. On Tuesday, the civil society-backed opposition will begin a nationwide civil disobedience intended to force the ruling party to rescind its decision to hold a referendum to amend Article 37 of the constitution. Civil disobedience Incumbent President Blaise Compaoré is aiming to push for a referendum which analysts say he will win in order to amend the controversial article that blocks him from running for the November 2015 presidential ballot after being in power for 27 years. President Compaoré party holds majority seats in parliament even after dozens of former close allies resigned from the party over his intention to contest the 2015 polls. Demonstrations have been held throughout the country ahead of the official declaration of the nationwide civil disobedience with lobby groups joining in the fray. Efforts by the embattled President to amicably resolve the stalemate with the opposition by holding a national dialogue have flopped.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 14:52:44 +0000
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