Audio By Carbonatix
The African Union (AU) has given Burkina Faso's military a two-week deadline to hand power to a civilian ruler or face sanctions.
The AU said the army had acted unconstitutionally when it took over after President Blaise Compaore was forced to resign on Friday.
The military said a civilian-led transitional government would be established as quickly as possible.
Mr Compaore quit after mass protests at his bid to extend his 27-year rule.
On Saturday, the military named Lt Col Isaac Zida, previously second in command of the presidential guard, as the new interim ruler.
'Supporting role'
A popular revolt led to Mr Compaore's resignation, but the military takeover was against democracy, said AU official Simeon Oyono Esono, following a meeting of the body's Peace and Security Council in Ethiopia.
The AU will apply sanctions against Burkina Faso if the military fails to give up power within two weeks, Mr Esonohe told Reuters.
The BBC's Emmanuel Igunza in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa says the sanctions could include suspension of Burkina Faso's AU membership and a travel ban on military officials.
The AU's Peace and Security Council is expected to meet again in two weeks' time to discuss the crisis, he says.
Col Zida told diplomats and journalists in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou, that the military had no plan to usurp power.
It wanted a transitional government made up of civilians to take office, he said.
The military would play a supporting role, Col Zida added.
BBC Afrique analyst Lamine Konkodo says many people in Burkina Faso expect Col Zida to honour his word, and it is now up to politicians and civil society leaders to agree on who will lead a transitional government.
The parliament building in Ouagadougou was set on fire by protesters last Thursday
The headquarters of state TV were also attackedMost businesses were open in Ouagadougou as the city returned to normal for the first time since last week's protests against Mr Compaore's rule.
At least one demonstrator was killed on Sunday after soldiers fired shots at the state TV station and barricaded the main square in Ouagadougou.
Thousands of protesters demanded the military give up power, chanting slogans like: "The soldiers have stolen our revolution", "Zida get out!" and "Zida is Judas."
Mr Compaore, who has now fled to Ivory Coast, first seized power in a coup in 1987, and thereafter won four disputed elections.
The protests were triggered by Mr Compaore's plan to amend the constitution so that he could run for office again in elections next year.
Latest Stories
-
GSE showed strong performance in August 2026 despite recording more stock losses
43 minutes -
If CJ needs ethics law to know SOE comments were wrong, he may not be worthy of office – Arthur Kennedy
2 hours -
Stop touring state agencies and focus on the Judiciary’s problems – Arthur Kennedy to CJ
2 hours -
Apologise and don’t do it again – Arthur Kennedy to Chief Justice over SOE comments
2 hours -
Chief Justice remains committed to judicial independence, justice and equality – Judicial Service
2 hours -
Ghana concludes evacuation of citizens from South Africa; total returnees reach 1,900 – Ablakwa
3 hours -
Africa must define its own green transition path – Prof Fatima Denton
3 hours -
WASSCE 2026: English Language performance falls to 62.4% – WAEC
4 hours -
WASSCE 2026: Social Studies records sharp rebound as Maths, Science also improve
4 hours -
2026 WASSCE entry rises by 11% as 512,862 candidates sit exams
4 hours -
WASSCE 2026: English Language performance falls to 62.4% – WAEC
4 hours -
WAEC cancels 2026 WASSCE results of 8,295 candidates over examination irregularities
4 hours -
WAEC releases provisional 2026 WASSCE results for 512,862 candidates
5 hours -
CJ’s remarks on SOEs were made in good faith, not to undermine judicial independence – Judicial Service
8 hours -
Bright Future Alliance pays courtesy call on Akufo-Addo, invites him to African Leaders of Influence Lectureship Series
8 hours