Burkinabe military ruler stands by handover pledge

The president of Ivory Coast expressed his support for the ongoing efforts at reconciliation in Burkina Faso.

Burkinabe military ruler stands by handover pledge

Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, the military leader of Burkina Faso, says he will keep his commitment to reinstate civilian authority within two years.

The military rulers agreed to arrange elections that would restore civilian administration to the country under the terms of the 24-month transition agreement reached in July with the West African regional organization, Ecowas.

Following a trip to Mali on Saturday, Lt. Col. Damiba paid a diplomatic visit to President Alassane Ouattara of the neighboring Ivory Coast on Monday.

The three nations are engaged in a violent fight in the Sahel against Islamist militants, which has gotten the security situation worse.

President Ouattara and Lt. Col. Damiba spoke about Burkina Faso's future and the region's security status.

The two presidents applauded each other's efforts to combat extremist organizations and their cooperation in sharing intelligence during their meetings.

The president of Ivory Coast expressed his support for the ongoing efforts at reconciliation in Burkina Faso.