UN chief wants civilian-led transition in Burkina Faso

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has called for an inclusive, civilian-led transition in Burkina Faso, with his special representative in the region consulting with stakeholders, a UN spokesperson said.

"The Secretary-General continues to be greatly concerned about the current crisis in Burkina Faso and its impact on national and regional stability," Xinhua quoted Farhan Haq told a briefing here Tuesday, adding that Ban reiterates his call for an inclusive, civilian-led transition leading to full restoration of constitutional order through democratic elections.

Haq said the joint UN-African Union-Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mission met Monday with Ghana's President John Mahama, who is also the Chair of the ECOWAS, to consult about the situation.

Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore announced his resignation Friday following two days of violent protests over his plan to amend the constitution to prolong his 27 years' rule.

The military took power and appointed Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Yacouba Zida as provisional head of state, prompting a new wave of demonstrations to demand for military departure and restoration of civilian rule in Burkina Faso.

Zida Monday said he was willing to hand over power for a civilian transitional period after meeting the Mossi tribe King, Mogho Naba, the most influential traditional chief in Burkina Faso.