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Court delays trial of Burkina Faso's Blaise Compaore to May 4

Burkina Faso

A court in Burkina Faso has postponed to May 4, the trial of former leader Blaise Compaore and his cabinet for their alleged role in killing at least 24 protesters.

The group are standing trial for their role in the act during an uprising in October 2014 that led to an overthrow of Compaore’s government.

The decision was reached following a request from a lawyer for the defence.
At least 25 ministers from Compaore’s former cabinet turned up on Thursday for the trial.

“The people of Burkina have high expectations from this judgement and we must believe that justice will measure up to the expectations of the people of Burkna and that justice will be served,” Herve Ouattara, President Of The Anti-Referendum Collective said.

“I have no expectations at all, because I saw what happened. I have seen the whole drama they are displaying here today and so I hope for nothing at all, nothing,“Safiatou Lopez, Honorary President, National Organisation Of Civil Societies said.

Hundreds of thousands marched in the capital Ouagadougou against Compaore’s attempt to prolong a 27-year rule. They subsequently forced him into exile.

“Until now the situation has not changed since the departure of Blaise Compaore and the Burkinabès continue to suffer in total misery, in the greatest misery. We don’t know why and the people are trying to understand what is going on,” a resident said.

After the incidents, Burkina Faso has completed a shaky transition period during which a close ally of Compaore sought to seize power in a thwarted coup.

Elections held in 2015 brought Roch Marc Kabore to power.

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