Dr Peter Sakwe Masumbe, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and International Relations, University of Buea, talks on the challenges of Burkina Faso's bid to return to democracy.

How do you evaluate the transition process in Burkina Faso?

Certainly, the transition process in Burkina Faso appears directed towards a successful end, although there are few strong issues to be remembered and be mindful of; in order to be guided towards this envisaged success. Firstly, was Compaoré’s intention to derail or better still to stifle justice and democracy in Burkina Faso, by attempting to change Article 37 of the Constitution which stipulates that the President of Burkina Faso cannot be re-elected more than once.

Compaoré who had already been re-elected more than once wished to change this position by putting the question to vote in the National Assembly, which was controlled by his party cronies and his allies. It is perhaps important to highlight that, as transition President Michel Kafando is a good diplomat, he may not be the action man needed to salvage the Burkabes and that’s where Prime Minister Isaac Zida appears to come in.

However, a sorrowful aspect of the emerging body politics in Burkinabe is that, the army continues to be a politico-military set-up intensively divided between the elite and the rest who are absolutely down-trodden. And if that  situation persists, then there could be further problems, even after the transitional process elapses. 

The transitional blueprint stipulates that, Kafando, as interim President, cannot contest in the election nor can Zida unless he resigns from the military at least six months prior to the elections. Secondly, opposition political parties were seriously fragmented and colossally weakened during the Compaoré years; a situation which has not greatly changed.

Thirdly, civil society itself - the repository of political power and sovereignty is not well organised in that country. These have meant that the media have essentially served as the contre-pouvoir or counter-weight to government action and thus plays a fundamental role in keeping alive the country’s political landscape

Pressure is observed to be mounting on the transitional government. How do you think the pressure will affect the transition process and outcome?

Pressure? Yes, of-course and you must remember one very important thing which usually propels politics and political behaviours and which apparently is undermined in most prismatic political landscapes. This is the issue of seizing, using and consolidating State  power.  So, you might understand why the pressure upon Kafando and Zida to end the transition process. Relinquishing power  always attracts pressure to bear on the beholder, else it could be circumvented.

Thus, such pressure for Kafando and Zida to end the transition process is informed by the very parameters that constitute the elements or quintessences of state power. The people of Burkina Faso want a pure democratic society, perhaps without any military man in civilian outfit. Thus, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida and his military colleagues may apparently be seen as the cogs, which must quickly steer clear before they get immersed into the accolades and sweetness of state power. Pressuring their departure would permit that the political wheel - the country's body polity, can freely rotate in Burkina Faso.

 Many  aspirants have already indicated their intentions to run for the presidency.  What should be done to ensure a smooth political transition in the country?

Indeed, the number of aspirants is irrelevant. What is relevant is the conduct of free, fair and transparent organization, execution and implementation of the transition programme, which would lead to the core of the matter - obtaining credible leadership. Bear in mind that, in most developing countries, democracy is usually cajoled, and that is what must be avoided to ensure a smooth political transition in Burkina Faso.

Let Kafando and Zida use their good offices to organize free, fair and transparent political recruitment of leaders who would take Burkina Faso into the enviable arena of democratic institutions and culture. An independent and impartial electoral body that creates a level playground for all the contestants must be seen to avoid causing issues capable of distracting the full course of the process.