Press release

UK concerned by violence in Burkina Faso

The UK government supports a peaceful transition in Burkina Faso and calls on all sides to return to dialogue.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Following the recent violence in Ouagadougou, the Minister for Africa Tobias Ellwood said:

“We are deeply concerned by the violence which has taken place in Ouagadougou, seemingly as a result of government plans to amend the Constitution of Burkina Faso so that the incumbent President can seek another term after 27 years in office.

“The UK reiterates its support for the African Union Charter and for peaceful and democratic transfers of power. We urge all parties to exercise restraint, to adhere to non-violence and to return to dialogue to resolve this issue.”

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Published 30 October 2014