Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Burkina Faso

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Vitaly I. Churkin (Russian Federation):

The members of the Security Council heard a briefing on 17 September by the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, on the crisis in Burkina Faso.

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the unconstitutional and forceful seizure of power perpetrated on 16 and 17 September by elements of the Régiment de sécurité présidentielle against the transitional authorities of Burkina Faso.  They reiterated their demand that the President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Isaac Zida of Burkina Faso, as well as other officials detained, be released safely and immediately.

The members of the Security Council urged the perpetrators to restore constitutional order and return power to the civilian transitional authorities without delay.  They urged all actors to comply with the transitional calendar, notably the holding of free, fair and credible elections, scheduled for 11 October.  They urged all actors in Burkina Faso to refrain from any violence.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong support for the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, Mohamed ibn Chambas, as well as those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and other international partners to preserve the transition in Burkina Faso.

The members of the Security Council underlined that the perpetrators of this unconstitutional and forceful seizure of power must be held accountable, and in this regard, expressed their readiness to monitor closely the situation and to consider further steps as necessary.