'The coup is over,' says Burkina Faso junta leader Diendere

OUAGADOUGOU - General Gilbert Diendere, who last week staged a coup in Burkina Faso, on Wednesday confirmed the crisis had ended, describing the putsch he led as "the biggest mistake".

"The coup is over," Diendere told reporters just hours after the interim president he deposed resumed office.

"We knew the people were not in favour of it. That is why we have given up."

Burkina Faso's interim President Michel Kafando wipes his face as he delivers a statement to the press at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Ouagadougou on September 23, 2015. Kafando said he has resumed his duties a week after being overthrown in a coup by the west African country's presidential guard. AFP PHOTO / SIA KAMBOU