Security Council Press Statement on Reinstatement of Transitional Authorities 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 welcomed the reinstatement of President Michel Kafando and the transitional authorities on 23 September 2015 in Burkina Faso.

The members of the Security Council commended the engagement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government, as well as the efforts of the African Union, to support a solution to the crisis and restore constitutional order in Burkina Faso.  They reiterated their full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, in this regard.

The members of the Security Council urged all actors in Burkina Faso to refrain from any violence and commended those who had exercised restraint in this regard.  They called for the resumption of the transition without delay, including the holding of free, fair and credible elections, in accordance with the Constitution and Transitional Charter of Burkina Faso.

The members of the Security Council expressed their intention to continue to monitor closely the situation, recognizing the legitimate aspiration of the people of Burkina Faso for a peaceful transition.