Page "History of Burkina Faso" Paragraph 5

The Republic of Upper Volta declared independence on 5 August 1960.

The first president, Maurice Yaméogo, was the leader of the Voltaic Democratic Union ( UDV ).

The 1960 constitution provided for election by universal suffrage of a president and a national assembly for 5-year terms.

Soon after coming to power, Yaméogo banned all political parties other than the UDV.

The government lasted until 1966 when-after much unrest including mass demonstrations and strikes by students, labor unions, and civil servants-the military intervened.