<<Print>>

Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper Kwesi Pratt Jnr. is not enthused with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) statement on the recent Burkina Faso uprising. He angrily described the statement signed by President John Dramani Mahama who acts as chairman of ECOWAS as the most unreasonable statement ever to be issued. To him, Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore is one of the unscrupulous leaders ever in Africa and must not be supported by ECOWAS if his own people openly express dislike for after ruling for 27 years. Dozens of Burkinabes including the nation�s armed forces were on Thursday, maddened by Blaise Compaore�s bid to extend his 27-year rule. The protesters in their bid to reject Compaore�s presidency, torched the country�s parliament house and some government buildings. Mr Compaore has refused to step down but said he would hand over power once a transitional government had completed its remaining 12-month term. However, ECOWAS Chairman, President John Mahama has issued a statement indicating that, he will not recognise any leader who will rise to power through unconstitutional means in Burkina Faso, thus, by way of coup d'�tat. �ECOWAS has followed with grave attention the events unfolding in Burkina Faso and the tension around the process leading to the consideration of the draft bill on constitutional amendment. ECOWAS takes note of the decision by the government to withdraw the passing of this draft bill. ��ECOWAS believes that this decision is geared towards preserving the stability and peace in the country. To this end, it reiterates the need for compliance with the principle of democracy and constitutional governance as stipulated in the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance,� the statement reads But speaking on Peace FM�s flagship morning show, Kokrokoo, Kwesi Pratt opined that, �I am very disappointed by this statement� �President Blaise Compaore is really bad and will go into history as one of the worst presidents in Africa. 27 years, why? If he has something to do for his people what stopped him during the 27 years?� he questioned. �African leaders are only thinking about themselves not the people,� he added.