BURKINA FASO: UN chief urges continued dialogue as transitional Government takes power

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated his call for all Burkinabé stakeholders to ensure Burkina Faso’s seamless transition to democracy amid an ongoing constitutional crisis in the West African country, a United Nations spokesperson has confirmed. “The Secretary-General continues to follow the situation in Burkina Faso very closely. He looks forward to the installation of the Transitional Government and the Transitional National Council,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing the press at UN Headquarters this afternoon. “He reiterates his encouragement to all parties to continue to use dialogue during the transition period and resolve all outstanding issues.” Mr. Ban’s message comes as the country officially marks the transfer of power to Transitional President, Michel Kafando, in a ceremony held today in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital, and attended by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa, Mohammed Ibn Chambas. Mr. Chambas’ involvement on the ground is part of continuing joint efforts between the UN, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international stakeholders aimed at supporting the people of Burkina Faso during the transition period. “The Secretary-General reiterates the importance for the transitional leaders and institutions to uphold the aspirations of the people of Burkina Faso and ensure a smooth transitional period leading up to elections in November 2015,” Mr. Ban concluded. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=49414#.VHDHrDTF9hg 21 Nov 2014