Soldiers in Burkina Faso took to the streets and threatened to use force this week after talks over working conditions broke down, writes IRINnews.
Around 100 soldiers, some dressed in military fatigues, chanted and shouted in central Ouagadougou, the capital, on 7 October, after they were denied entrance to the officers mess. Some of the soldiers briefly occupied the streets again on 9 October.
Gendarmes surrounded the army headquarters after a mob of soldiers attempted to march to the officers’ building.
KRÆVER LÆNGERE VÆRNEPLIGT
In the talks, which collapsed at the end of September, the soldiers demanded a five-year increase in the time they are allowed to serve in the army. (The country has extremely high unemployment). The soldiers also demanded an increase in pensions to reflect the current cost of living.
Soldiers told journalists that they are against “corrupt and delinquent officers” who they accuse of embezzling their salaries. Some of the soldiers told journalists they would “use force” if their demands were not met. However they said they were not “after the president or his regime”.
Kilde: www.irinnews.org
