Ecowas proves that quick action can crush a coup

Former Burkina Faso presidential guard unit commander Gen Gilbert Diendere. AFP Photo

What you need to know:

Management. Gilbert Diendere lacked numbers to sustain the coup

Nairobi.

The general who presided over a one-week coup in Burkina Faso described the putsch, as he threw in the towel last week, as “the greatest mistake.” It was worse.

The Regiment of Presidential Security mounted the September 17 coup by holding interim president, prime minister, and two Cabinet colleagues hostage.
Ostensibly, it named a former commander, General Gilbert Diendere, president.

Former President Blaise Compaore formed the 1,200-strong force in 1987 after a coup — Diendere was in it — ousted the late President Thomas Sankara.

He was later killed mysteriously. Compaore formed and well trained, equipped, and privileged guard to avoid a similar fate. It was a private army.

Compaore ruled for 27 years but when he sought to extend his constitutionally limited mandate last October, the heavy-handed regiment couldn’t contain the massive ire of Burkinabe’s. He’s exiled in Cote d’Ivoire.

A short-lived coup — Diendere again in it — was forced by West African leaders and the international community to cede power to an interim civilian government headed by Michel Kafando as president. The government was to organise elections on October 11 for a democratic start.
After a week in power, a seemingly contrite Diendere explained the “mistake.”

He told reporters following an official ceremony witnessed by several West African presidents to reinstate Kafando’s government: “We knew the people were not in favour. That is why we have given up,” the AFP quoted him saying.

He didn’t explain whether the “knowing” came before or after the coup. Either way, the coup was stupid.

For a start, military coups aren’t in vogue. The African Union was quick to describe the coup leaders as “terrorists,” suspended Burkina Faso, and threatened sanctions if the civilian rule wasn’t re-installed.

Condemnation came from various international quarters. French President Francois Hollande actually threatened “consequences.”

Guard lacked numbers
Moreover, the guard lacked numbers. The national army, which initially remained mum. It finally gave the guard an ultimatum to disarm or else. Cool heads prevailed to allow the Economic Commission for West African States (Ecowas) leaders mediate.
Undoubtedly, Ecowas gets credit.

Its current chair, Senegal’s President Mack Sall, and Benin’s counterpart President Yayi Boni were in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, within hours to mediate. A special Ecowas heads of state gathering met shortly after and had a deal Tuesday.
Diendere justified the coup as prevention of instability preceding the elections and an opposition to a June law that banned Compaore’s loyalists to contest.

Reasons exist to explain otherwise. Other than loyalty to Compaore, the presidential guard unit feared for its future.
A government commission had recommended its disbandment. On the day of the coup, Sanakara’s post-mortem report, still secret, was to be published. It might implicate Compaore and his side-kicks, including Diendere.

Putting an end
On September 25, the Cabinet met and resolved to disband the presidential unit and froze Diendere and wife’s assets. Seventeen other persons met the same fate. Things look auspicious, so far.

Ecowas, however, have a little business left. While Compaore remained silent about the coup, he retains a following at home. Ecowas need to get an assurance from his friend, Ivorian President Allasane Quattara he will not meddle in Burkina Faso affairs.

Originally published by africareview