Ex-Burkina President Compaore In Ivory Coast

Deposed Burkina Faso president Blaise Compaore is currently in a
luxury hotel in Ivory Coast's capital Yamoussoukro, witnesses said
Saturday.

"The services of the President hotel in Yamoussoukro served him
(Compaore) dinner yesterday (Friday) and breakfast this morning
(Saturday)," according to a hotel employee.

Another local resident said he saw "a long cortege of around 30 cars
going in the direction of the villa," which is used as a semi-official
residence for foreign dignitaries.

Burkina army backs Lieutenant-Colonel Zida to lead transition: statement

Burkina Faso's army on Saturday backed Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Zida
to lead a transition period after the ousting of president Blaise
Compoare, according to a statement published after a meeting of army
chiefs.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Zida was chosen unanimously to lead the
transition period opened after the departure of president Compaore,"
said the statement signed by General Navere Honore Traore, who had
initially said he would himself assume power.

Zida, the second in command of the presidential guard, said Friday he
had assumed "the responsibilities of head of the transition and of
head of state" to ensure a "smooth democratic transition".