Mahama leaves for Burkina Faso

President John Dramani Mahama will be leaving for Burkina Faso Friday to witness the investiture of former Foreign Minister Michel Kafando as interim president.

Authorities have also picked army officer Lt Col Isaac Zida as transitional prime minister.

Col Zida had been among officers who took power when then President Blaise Compaore was forced to resign on 31 October during mass protests.

He declared himself head of state but on Tuesday oversaw the swearing-in of former Foreign Minister Michel Kafando as interim president.

The moves followed agreement on a year-long transition to elections.

President Mahama is joining his northern neighbours in his capacity as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Compaore first seized power in a coup in 1987 and went on to win four disputed elections. Tens of thousands of people took part in protests in Ouagadougou in October over moves to allow him to extend his rule.