Former Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore has returned to the country, eight months after he was ousted in a military coup. Kabore arrived in Ouagadougou, the capital, on Thursday, July 6, 2023, and was greeted by a small group of supporters and family members. He was accompanied by his wife, Sika Kabore, and several other former government officials..
Kabore’s return comes after months of negotiations between the military junta and a mediation team led by former President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana. The junta had initially refused to allow Kabore to return, but eventually relented under pressure from the international community..
Kabore was elected president in 2015 and served one term before being overthrown in a coup led by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba in January 2022. Damiba was himself ousted in a subsequent coup in September 2022 and replaced by Captain Ibrahim Traore..
Traore has promised to restore civilian rule to Burkina Faso and has set a date for elections in 2024. However, he has also faced criticism for his handling of the country’s security situation, which has deteriorated in recent months..
Kabore’s return is seen as a positive step towards reconciliation in Burkina Faso. However, it remains to be seen whether he will play a significant role in the country’s future..
**Analysis**.
Kabore’s return to Burkina Faso is a significant development for several reasons. First, it suggests that the military junta is willing to make concessions to the international community. This is a positive sign, as it could help to pave the way for a peaceful transition to civilian rule..
Second, Kabore’s return could help to unify the country. He is a respected figure, and his presence could help to bridge the divide between the military and civilian populations..
Finally, Kabore’s return could help to improve the country’s security situation. He has experience in dealing with the security challenges facing Burkina Faso, and his return could help to stabilize the country..
However, there are also some risks associated with Kabore’s return. First, his presence could stoke tensions between the military and civilian populations. The military may see his return as a threat to their authority, and this could lead to further unrest..
Second, Kabore’s return could complicate the transition to civilian rule. He may be tempted to try to regain power, and this could derail the electoral process..
Overall, Kabore’s return to Burkina Faso is a positive development. However, there are also some risks associated with his return, and it remains to be seen whether he will play a positive role in the country’s future..
