Michel Kafando has been sworn in as Burkina Faso's interim president, with the task of steering the West African country back to civilian rule.
Kafando pledged to respect both the constitution and the transitional charter during a nationally-televised ceremony Tuesday in the capital, Ouagadougou.
The new president is now tasked with naming a prime minister and helping to create a 25-person interim government that will lead Burkina Faso to new elections in a year.
Burkina Faso's military took power November 1st after the abrupt resignation of longtime president Blaise Compaore.
Kafando was chosen as interim president Monday by a committee of army representatives, politicians and civil society and religious leaders. The 72-year-old leader will not be allowed to run for president in the upcoming elections.
Before stepping down, Mr. Compaore ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years. He resigned in the face of violent protests against his efforts to change the constitution so he could run for another term.
On Saturday, army-installed leader Isaac Zida said he had restored the constitution following two weeks of military rule. The African Union had threatened Burkina Faso with sanctions unless he returned power to a civilian-led government.
