Burkina Faso colonel named prime minister

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – The military colonel who briefly seized control of Burkina Faso after the longtime president stepped down was chosen Wednesday to serve as prime minister, casting doubt that the army will stay out of politics as demanded by the international community.

Lt. Col. Isaac Yacouba Zida said his appointment by the new president of the transitional government showed “a mark of confidence” in the country’s security and defense forces.

Zida also pledged his commitment to organizing a poll in 2015.

Associated Press