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Burkina Faso: UN chief calls for country’s quick return to democratic process

Oil and soap from locally-grown palm date on sale in the town of Dori, northen Burkina Faso.
UNDP Burkina Faso/Laetitia Ouoba
Oil and soap from locally-grown palm date on sale in the town of Dori, northen Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso: UN chief calls for country’s quick return to democratic process

As a joint United Nations and African diplomatic mission continues its consultations with Burkinabé stakeholders amid a constitutional crisis in the West African country, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated his call for dialogue and voiced hope for Burkina Faso’s speedy return to a democratic process, a United Nations spokesperson has confirmed.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his call for inclusive dialogue to continue, and encourages all parties to reach an agreement for a peaceful and civilian-led transition as soon as possible,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing the press at UN Headquarters this afternoon.

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, arrived in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital, on 31 October as part of a joint mission that also includes the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs.

In addition, Mr. Dujarric noted the Secretary-General’s appreciation for the mission undertaken by President John Mahama of Ghana, President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and President Macky Sall of Senegal, who arrived in the Burkinabé capital today to join mediation efforts by the joint UN, African Union and ECOWAS delegation.

“The joint UN-AU-ECOWAS mission is continuing its consultations with all the parties and other forces to ensure a democratic and civil-led transition in Burkina Faso,” continued the spokesperson.

“And it will continue its efforts to help resolve the crisis in line with the national constitution.”