Bosnian authorities have arrested 12 men suspected of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, for their role in an attack on a Bosnian village that killed at least 150 Muslims in 1992.

The men, former members of the Bosnian Serb army and police "are charged with murders, torture, rapes, as well as with looting and destroying the property of Bosniaks in the village of Zecovi as part of a bid to drive the Bosniaks from the village," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Prosecutors went on to say the crimes were part of a "wide and systematic attack of (Serb) army and police against the Muslim population of the village of Zecovi... in which more than 150 victims were killed."

Former foreign minister Michel Kafando, has been named as Burkina Faso's interim president by a committee of political, military, religious and traditional authorities, following a military takeover in the country last month.

On announcement of the news, Kafando said that,

“The committee has just designated me to guide temporarily the destiny of our country. This is more than an honour. It’s a true mission which I will take with the utmost seriousness.” 

The appointment means Kafando will be barred from standing from elections, which have been planned for late next year. He will now be expected to appoint a prime minister and a 25-member government.

The appointment of an interim president comes after the African Union warned Burkina Faso that it faces sanctions if civilian rule was not restored.

“Today we offer our prayers and condolences to the parents and family of Abdul-Rahman Kassig, also known to us as Peter.”

"Today we grieve together, yet we also recall that the indomitable spirit of goodness and perseverance that burned so brightly in Abdul-Rahman Kassig."

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that sanctions imposed on his country by the EU and US will negatively affect the global economy.