AU calls for civilian-led, consensual transition in Burkina Faso

ADDIS ABABA (Xinhua) - The African Union (AU) has called for a civilian-led and consensual transition in Burkina Faso.

The Peace and Security Council of the 54-member Pan-African bloc will be holding a meeting on Monday to consider the situation in the country, according to a statement from AU on Saturday.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has continued to closely follow the situation in Burkina Faso, said the statement. 

She took note of the resignation of President Blaise Compaore, which opens the necessary political space for all the stakeholders to work together to find a lasting resolution to the crisis facing the country, it said.

The Chairperson called on the political stakeholders and civil society in Burkina Faso to work together in a spirit of consensus and responsibility, in order to agree on a civilian-led transition that would culminate, as soon as possible, in the holding of free, fair and transparent elections. 

She stressed the duty and obligation of the defense and security forces to place themselves at the disposal of the civilian authorities who should lead the transition and to act in a republican spirit.

She also urged the leaders of the defense and security forces to refrain from any acts or statements that may lead to further instability in Burkina Faso, as well as negatively impact on regional security and stability.

The Chairperson underlined that a civilian-led and consensual transition would not only be consistent with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Burkina Faso for change and the deepening of democracy, but would also facilitate the mobilization of the support necessary for a successful way out of the crisis.

Dlamini-Zuma called on the youth to be calm and to support a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

She reiterated AU's readiness, its working closely with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations, to support the Burkinabe people and political and social stakeholders, as well as to contribute to the mobilization of the support they need both from within and outside the continent.

The Chairperson looks forward to the meeting of the Peace and Security Council scheduled to take place on Monday, 3 Nov., to consider the situation and take decisions as may be appropriate, in conformity with the relevant AU instruments, notably the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the PSC pronouncements on the matter.