Burkina Faso re-elects President Roch Kabore

Former finance minister and main opposition leader in Burkina Faso's presidential election, Zephirin Diabre, has conceded defeat.

FILE PHOTO: Burkina Faso's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore looks on as he casts his vote at a polling station during the presidential and legislative election in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, November 22, 2020. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra/File Photo

Diabre, who earlier contested the results claiming "massive fraud" and irregularities, met President Kabore to congratulate him on his victory, according to a tweet by the president himself. Diabre's spokesperson also confirmed the meeting.

According to the Electoral Commission, President Kabore won 57.8% of the vote, exceeding the 50% mark needed to avoid a second-round runoff.

Kabore's government will now have to continue its fight against the coronavirus and Islamist extremist groups that have so far killed more than 2,000 civilians this year alone.

By: Niza Nondo