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| Africa Subsaharan |
| Burkina Faso unions call off march over violence fears |
| 2011-05-03 |
| [The Nation (Nairobi)] Trade unions and civil society groups in Burkina Faso ...The country in west Africa that they put where Upper Volta used to be. Its capital is Oogadooga, or something like that. Its president is currently Blaise Compaoré, who took office in 1987 and may be in the process of being chased out now... called off a May Day march here today to avoid violence amid a wave of popular anger against President Blaise Compaore's regime. "Unfortunately comrades, the information we have is that the route is not secure. If we hold the march now we run the risk of bringing back maimed or dead people," said union front man El Hadj Mamadou Nama. He said, without elaborating, that individuals were planning to infiltrate the march "to sow chaos" and said the rally would be held at a later date. An AFP correspondent said forces from the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) had been deployed in some Ouagadougou streets. A message from the unions read by Nama urged supporters to close ranks and and show "courage and optimism" to continue the struggle for better living and work conditions as well as for democracy in Burkina Faso. This west African nation has been hit by often violent protests over the past two months amid mounting popular anger against Compaore's regime as well as the high cost of living. An army mutiny broke out from within his own presidential guard in March and this week police staged heir own revolt to press for higher pay. On Saturday hundreds demonstrated to demand Compaore's departure. Protesters brandished placards reading: "Blaise out!", "Blaise resign!" and "United for Blaise Compaore's departure". |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 "Trade unions . . .called off a May Day march here today to avoid violence" Obviously they aren't affiliated with the SEIU or the Teamsters. |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2011-05-03 18:30 |