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Burkina Faso

Ban notes resignation of President, as envoy arrives in crisis-gripped capital

31 October 2014 – As his special envoy arrived in Burkina Faso this morning following the country’s deteriorating security situation, the Secretary-General noted today the resignation of President Blaise Compaoré and continues to follow events there with great concern.

Speaking to reporters during a briefing this afternoon, a spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative for West Africa, arrived in the capital city of Ouagadogou.

His visit, which the Secretary-General announced yesterday, is part of a joint mission that also includes the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs.

“The Secretary-General urges all parties to exercise calm and restraint and to use dialogue to solve the current crisis,” the spokesperson said.

Mr. Chambas is expected to meet with political stakeholders, as well as with religious and traditional leaders.

Media reports suggest that President Compaoré, who had led the country for 27 years, announced his resignation as thousands of protesters took to the streets in Ouagadougou over the past few days, facing off with security forces yesterday outside the presidential palace amid deadly violence that included ransacking government buildings and the State television headquarters.