Saddened by Recent Deaths in Burkina Faso, Secretary-General Calls for Restraint, End of Violence

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑moon:

The Secretary-General is following with great concern the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso.  He calls on all parties to end the use of violence, exercise calm and restraint and use dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues.

The Secretary-General is saddened over the loss of life resulting from recent events.  He has requested his Special Representative for West Africa, Mohammed ibn Chambas, to visit Burkina Faso tomorrow and welcomes that this mission will be undertaken jointly with the African Union and ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States].