Roch Kaboré, president of Burkina: "I do not refuse the outstretched hand (by Blaise Compaoré)"
Audio 28:44
The president of Burkina, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.
RFI
Text by: Christophe Boisbouvier Follow
|
Video by: Christophe Boisbouvier Follow
31 min
For the first time since his election in 2015, the president of Burkina, interviewed by RFI and France 24 in Ouagadougou, is seriously considering the possible return to the country of Blaise Compaoré, the former head of state who lives in exile in the Côte d'Ivoire since 2014. He even sets the deadline.
If he is re-elected on November 22, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré announces that a reconciliation process will allow this return during the first half of 2021.
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In this interview with RFI and France 24 on October 15, 2020, President Kaboré announces that, if he is re-elected on November 22, "
in the first half of 2021, everyone will be able to return quietly to Burkina Faso
" and that "
those who have cases with justice will be able to go to court to settle their cases at this level.
"
To the question: "
Why did you not respond to the letter where Blaise Compaoré offered his services to you 18 months ago
", the Burkinabè Head of State replies: "
Not that I refuse the outstretched hand, but we are in a process of reconciliation which is not a speed race.
"And President Roch to clarify:"
If I am elected, the first half of 2021 should allow us to resolve these issues.
We will bring together all the components of society to discuss reconciliation and the decision [on the conditions for the return of Blaise Compaoré] will be taken.
"
Another topical issue: the release by Mali of some 200 jihadists 10 days ago in exchange for 4 hostages, including
Soumaïla Cissé
and
Sophie Petronin
.
President Roch "
wants to welcome these hostage releases
", but believes that "
the counterpart has been paid dearly
".
To the question: "
Did you know that the mastermind of the Ouagadougou and Grand Bassam attacks in 2016 was going to be released?"
", He replies:"
No, I did not know.
We followed the elements like everyone else.
So, I consider that it is Mali that managed this situation in order to be able to free the hostages.
"
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Burkina Faso
Roch Marc Christian Kaboré
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