UNITED NATIONS, November 6 (RIA Novosti) – The UN Security Council called for a civilian-led transition and speedy elections in Burkina Faso, which has recently witnessed violent protests leading to the end of 27-year reign for the country’s president.
In a press statement unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council on Wednesday the members “expressed their deep concern over the political and security crisis in Burkina Faso and over reports of the loss of life resulting from recent events surrounding the resignation of Mr. Blaise Compaoré from his post of President of Burkina Faso.”
The Security Council “urged the security forces of Burkina Faso to hand over power to a civilian-led transition and to take immediate steps to restore constitutional order without delay.”
As to the vying political parties, the members of the Security Council “called on all stakeholders in Burkina Faso to collaborate together to launch a peaceful, civilian-led and democratic transition process leading to the holding of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections as soon as possible, consistent with the Constitution of Burkina Faso,” according to the statement.
The protests that began on Thursday last week were triggered by the country’s lawmakers’ intention to amend the constitution allowing the 63-year-old Compaore to contest in November 2015 elections. The protesters set the parliament building in the capital on fire.
About 30 people were killed in the protests and a hundred others sustained injuries.
Following the violence, Compaore announced his resignation and called for the presidential elections within 90 days. Soon after that, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida, the second in command of Burkina Faso's presidential guard, assumed power as head of state.
