President to resolve mutiny in Burkina Faso

The army commander in Burkina Faso says the new government will address the grievances that caused a mutiny among soldiers across the country.

General Nabere Honore Traore, who was recently appointed, said during a transfer-of-power ceremony that the government will resolve the crisis through dialogue.

He said President Blaise Compaore "has responded favourably to the complaints of the soldiers", adding that officials will meet with them. An elite group of soldiers also announced late on Monday that they want their comrades to stop protesting.

The mutiny began on Thursday night in Ouagadougou, the capital, when members of the presidential guard demanded unpaid housing allowances. The unrest spread to several other cities, but calm returned to the capital when soldiers were paid.