Burkina Faso: UN chief welcomes adoption of framework for civilian-led transition

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated the people of Burkina Faso on the consensus adoption of a Charter of the Transition, which will provide the legal framework for a civilian-led transition culminating in elections in November 2015.

In a statement attributed to his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said he looked forward to the signing of the Charter, the designation and installation of a civilian Transitional President, and the commencement of the work of the Transitional organs.

“The Secretary-General commends all Burkinabe stakeholders for their collective engagement and sense of responsibility throughout the national dialogue process. He reiterates his encouragement to all parties to continue to use dialogue throughout the transition period,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

Thousands of Burkinabé protesters took to the streets earlier this month in the capital of Ouagadougou, facing off with security forces outside the presidential palace amid deadly violence that included the ransacking of Government buildings and the state television headquarters.

Following the violence, former President Blaise Compaoré announced his resignation, ending his 27-year stay in office, and handed power over to the military.

Today Mr. Ban commended the efforts of the joint UN-African Union- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mission, and other regional and international partners for providing good offices and support since the onset of the crisis in the country.