AU calls for civilian-led transition in Burkina Faso

The African Union (AU) has called for a civilian-led and consensual transition in Burkina Faso.

The Peace and Security Council of the 54-member Pan-African bloc will be holding a meeting on Monday to consider the situation in the country, according to a statement from AU Saturday, Xinhua reported.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the AU Commission, has continued to closely follow the situation in Burkina Faso, said a statement.

She took note of the resignation of president Blaise Compaore, which opens the necessary political space for all the stakeholders to work together to find a lasting resolution to the crisis facing the country, it said.

The chairperson called on the political stakeholders and civil society in Burkina Faso to work together in a spirit of consensus and responsibility, in order to agree on a civilian-led transition that would culminate, as soon as possible, in the holding of free, fair and transparent elections.

She stressed the duty and obligation of the defence and security forces to place themselves at the disposal of the civilian authorities who should lead the transition and to act in a republican spirit.

She also urged the leaders of the defence and security forces to refrain from any acts or statements that may lead to further instability in Burkina Faso, as well as negatively impact on regional security and stability.

Dlamini-Zuma called on the youth to be calm and to support a peaceful resolution of the crisis.