Burkina Faso’s coup leader Ibrahim Traoré has assumed the presidency, following last week’s seizure of power by military officers.
A statement read on national television said Mr Traoré, an army captain, was also appointed Supreme Head of the Armed Forces. READ: Nigerian leader welcomes freeing of train hostages
The power grab, the second this year, was triggered by an apparent disaffection with the failures of the previous military government to curb a spreading Islamist insurgency. READ MORE: Who is Burkina Faso coup leader Ibrahim Traoré?
A delegation from the West African regional body, Ecowas, went to Burkina Faso on Tuesday, hoping to persuade the new leader to stick to earlier proposals to hold elections by mid-2024.