Security Council Press Statement on Burkina Faso

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Gary Quinlan (Australia):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the signing on 16 November 2014 of a Charter for the Transition in Burkina Faso, which provides the legal framework for a civilian-led transition leading to democratic elections in November 2015.  They also welcomed the appointment of Michel Kafando as the civilian President of the Transition.  They called on all Burkinabè stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of the work of the Transitional organs without delay.  They called upon the Burkinabè security forces to respect the civilian control and oversight of the Transition.

The members of the Security Council commended all Burkinabè stakeholders for their exemplary collective engagement and sense of responsibility throughout the national dialogue process.  They welcomed the inclusive and civilian-led nature of this process directed towards a return to constitutional rule and democratic transition.  They called on all stakeholders in Burkina Faso to continue to collaborate peacefully during the transition period towards the holding of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections.

The members of the Security Council took note of the Declaration of the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of 17 November 2014 and of the Declaration of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission of 17 November 2014 on Burkina Faso.

The members of the Security Council commended the joint efforts of the United Nations, the AU, and ECOWAS in Burkina Faso, and expressed their appreciation for the leadership of the Special Representative for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas.  They commended the high-level delegations led by ECOWAS and the AU as well as other regional and international partners, which have provided good offices and support to resolve the political crisis in the country, and encouraged all partners to maintain their efforts throughout the Transition.