IPU urges Burkinabé military not to derail democratic process

Geneva, 17 September 2015

Crowds gathered in the capital, Ouagadougou, as news of the military action emerged. ©AFP/A. Ouoba

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has condemned the overthrow of the transitional government in Burkina Faso and the derailing of the transition to democratic rule. The Organization is urging a rapid and peaceful resumption of the democratic process that should conclude with free and fair presidential and legislative elections next month.

“The military should not meddle in the political process. It should instead ensure the interim government and parliament are safeguarded and elections go ahead as planned in October,” says IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong. “The Burkinabé people rightfully demand democratic rule and it is their will that should be respected above all.”

The Organization is also calling for the immediate release of acting President Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Isaac Zida and two cabinet ministers and for all parties to refrain from violence.

The West African country has been in a period of transition since a popular uprising against constitutional changes led to the dissolution of parliament and the demise of then President Blaise Compaoré.