Burkina Faso: Ban Welcomes Appointment of Interim President, Signing of Transition Framework
Billboard promoting peace in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso. Photo: IRIN/Chris Simpson
17 November 2014 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated the people of Burkina Faso on the signing of the Charter of the Transition and on the
appointment of former foreign minister Michel Kafando as Transitional President.
The Charter of the Transition will provide the legal framework for a civilian-led transition culminating in elections in
November 2015.
In a statement attributed to his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said he looks forward to the early appointment of the Transitional Prime
Minister, as well as other members of the Transitional organs.
“The Secretary-General commends all Burkinabé stakeholders for their continuing commitment to peacefully engage in
dialogue to address all outstanding issues,” the spokesperson said.
Thousands of Burkinabé protesters took to the streets earlier this month in the capital of Ouagadougou, facing off with
security forces outside the presidential palace amid deadly violence that included the ransacking of Government
buildings and the state television headquarters.
Following the violence, former President Blaise Compaoré announced his resignation, ending his 27-year stay in office,
and handed power over to the military.
Today, Mr. Ban said that the UN, in cooperation with the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international partners, will continue to support Burkina Faso in order to complete arrangements for the
transition and to accompany its efforts during the transitional period leading to the holding of elections.
ENDS