Islam Times - Protests force minister to resign from interim Burkinabe govt.

Islam Times - A minister has resigned from Burkina Faso’s embryonic transitional government, succumbing to protests over his appointment.

Culture and Tourism Minister Adama Sagnon tendered his resignation on Tuesday, only two days after his appointment to the country’s 26-member interim government.

Sagnon, seen as close to former President Blaise Compaoré, stepped down after two days of protests in front of his ministry accusing him of not doing enough to investigate the mysterious murder of prominent investigative journalist, Norbert Zongo, in 1998.

Compaoré was forced to step down on October 31, following two days of mass protests against his attempts to change the constitution to extend his rule for a fifth term.

Lieutenant Colonel Yacouba Isaac Zida assumed power after the former president’s resignation. Zida then bowed to African Union pressure to hand power back to a civilian ruler.

On October 23, Burkinabe officials issued a decree and allocated ministerial posts in the interim government, with the military getting the powerful ones.

With the exception of Sagnon's appointment, Burkina Faso's political class has expressed satisfaction with the composition of the interim government, drawn from the military, civil society and political parties.