Burkina Faso Appoints Colonel Zida As Prime Minister

The military colonel who briefly seized control of Burkina Faso after the longtime president stepped down  has been chosen just four days after he restored the country's constitution.

The selection of Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Yacouba Zida also comes just a day after the US and others praised Burkina Faso for pressing ahead with a civilian transitional government.

Zida's appointment was read out by decree at the presidential palace by the assistant secretary-general of the government Alain Ouattara.

The military initially had picked Zida to lead Burkina Faso after it took control in the power vacuum after longtime President Blaise Compaore resigned on October 31 ending a 27-year-rule.

Compaore's resignation was forced by angry demonstrators who set the parliament on fire to show their displeasure over his attempts to seek another term in office.

The international community has since urged the military to swiftly hand back power or face stiff economic sanctions.

Diplomat Michel Kafando was also sworn in as president of the transitional government to lead the country to elections in a year's time.

By Anne Muchiri