Ban calls on all actors in Burkina Faso to act responsibly, exercise restraint

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urgently called on all national stakeholders in Burkina Faso to act responsibly, exercise restraint and work in the best interests of the country.

“In particular, he calls on the members of the Régiment de Sécurité Présidentielle (RSP) and the national armed forces to abide by the terms of the agreement that they signed on 22 September,” said a statement issued by his spokesperson.

According to media reports, the RSP – the presidential guards responsible for the recent coup d’état – are refusing to disarm.

“The Secretary-General encourages the transitional authorities to intensify efforts towards the early holding of presidential and legislative elections to allow for the return of constitutional order to Burkina Faso,” the statement continued.

It added that the Secretary-General's Special Representative for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to support national authorities in the lead-up to peaceful and transparent elections.