Burkina coup leader charged with murder

The leader of the recent coup in Burkina Faso, Gilbert Diendere, a general in country’s army has been charged with murder and 10 other crimes.

Some of the other offenses levelled against him are threatening state security, collusion with foreign forces, voluntary assault and wilful destruction of property.

He was charged alongside Djibril Bassole, former foreign minister, who was also arrested in connection with the coup, despite denying any involvement in the week-long interregnum.

Interim President Michel Kafando was reinstated two weeks ago following intervention from the army and West African leaders.

The country’s presidential guards unit, which has now been disbanded, seized Kafando and Isaac Zida, the prime minister, the presidential palace on September 16.

Diendere later referred to the coup as the biggest mistake of his life, saying he had to give up because the people were not in support of it.

“The coup is over. It was a waste of time and resources, and human lives were lost. Carrying out this coup was the biggest mistake,” he had said.

“We decided to give up because we knew the people were not in support of it. But what has put me in a good mood is the fact that we avoided confrontation.”