On 26 June 2014, the Secretary-General met with the President of Burkina Faso, H.E. Mr. Blaise Compaore, on the margins of the African Summit in Malabo. The President and Secretary-General discussed the situation in Mali and the Sahel, as well as the internal political situation in Burkina Faso.

The Secretary-General commended President Compaore for his contribution to peace and stability in Mali, including through his mediation efforts that led to the Ouagadougou Preliminary Agreement of 18 June 2013. The Secretary-General encouraged the President to continue working with the Government and parties in Mali, as well as countries in the region to support to re-launch the peace talks.

The Secretary-General noted the benefits of the Coordination Platform for the Sahel, which would help enhancing regional cooperation for long-term stability and development in the Sahel.

On the political situation in Burkina Faso, the Secretary-General encouraged the President to maintain space for dialogue to help defusing internal tensions in the lead-up to the 2015 elections.