UK Statement on the Situation in Burkina Faso
The UK remains deeply concerned by the situation in Burkina Faso and joins the African Union in its call for a civilian-led transition.
“The UK is deeply concerned by the violence and uncertainty in Ouagadougou after the recent resignation of President Blaise Compaore and the installation of Lieutenant-Colonel Zida as interim Head of State of Burkina Faso.
“We call on the Burkinabe military and security forces to launch an urgent process of consultation, to include all relevant political and civil society actors, in order to agree a way forward towards the soonest possible restoration of a democratically elected civilian government in Burkina Faso. We urge all parties to work calmly and collaboratively in this endeavour.
“The UK reiterates its strong support for the African Union in its call for all stakeholders in Burkina Faso to work together towards a civilian-led process of transition, with a view to constitutional, democratic and transparent elections at the earliest opportunity. We welcome the joint mission of the African Union, ECOWAS and the United Nations and urge all regional and international partners to support the Burkinabe people at this time.
“We ask all actors in Burkina Faso to respect the nation’s international obligations, including under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, in this period of political uncertainty and to ensure that no action is taken that could further undermine the nation’s stability or security. The UK and wider international community will not support an unconstitutional transfer of power and therefore urges all parties to respect the nation’s constitution and to bring about a swift and peaceful resolution of the current crisis.”