North African protest may be spreading past the Sahara as about a thousand people in Burkina Faso descended on the capital demanding that the 24 year term of President Blaise Campaore come to an end. Burkina Faso is one of the world's poorest countries. The protesters marched to a popular reggae tune and shouted a variation of a popular slogan in Tunisia. The majority of the protesters were young people, and they were joined by the country's 34 opposition group leaders. The military waved at the protesters in passing trucks. High prices, low wages and the length of the President's term were spurs for the protest. The author cites Cote d'Ivoire's political instability as the cause of land locked Burkina Faso's rising prices. Previous protests in the country have been violent, with looting and pillaging. Mr. Campaore responded by dismissing the government and appointing a journalist as prime minister. A local rap star said "The problem is, it's not a democracy. It's been tropicalized." The crowds may turn violent, saying they were ready for civil war. That may be when Campaore returns to repressive controls.
by Margaret Nunne
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/world/africa/01burkina.html?_r=1&ref=world
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