Burkina Faso general (president) flies to France for medical care

GEN. KWAME LOUGUE

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — A general who attempted to declare himself president of Burkina Faso amid that country's chaos has flown to France for medical treatment.

Reporters brought to Gen. Kwame Lougue's house late Wednesday before he left for France were told that his wounds were not from gunshots. His legs were bandaged.

The West African country has been in limbo since opposition protests forced President Blaise Compaore to step down on Oct. 31 after 27 years in office.

In the aftermath, several people, including military officers, jostled for power. The military has since rallied around Lt. Col. Isaac Yacouba Zida, but the international community is pushing for a quick return to civilian rule.

Lougue was one of those who tried to take over in the immediate chaos following Compaore's resignation. He went to the state television station to make a declaration, but gunfire erupted and his statement was never broadcast.

Calm has since largely returned to the country, long a close ally of the West in the fight against Islamist militants in the region. Negotiations on forming a civilian transitional government are underway.

Brahima Ouedraogo.  Associated Press