The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has reaffirmed the continued support of the African Union (AU) to the people of Burkina Faso to ensure peace, stability and development of the west African nation.
The AU issued a public statement following another military coup that took place on Friday in the country.
According to reports from various media outlets, Paul-Henri Damiba was removed from his position as the leader of Burkina Faso’s state military, by a group of senior officers within his ranks.
Army Captain Ibrahim Traore then announced the dissolution of government as well as the suspension of the constitution and transitional charter.
The country’s borders were closed and all political and civil society activities were suspended.
“The Chairperson calls upon the military to immediately and totally refrain from any acts of violence or threats to the civilian population, civil liberties, human rights, and ensure strict compliance with electoral deadlines for the restoration of Constitutional order by 1 July 2024, at the latest,” the AU statement read.
Damiba came to into power via a coup in late January 2022. On March 1, a transitional charter was adopted, setting a three-year period before the country holds elections. The transition period was later reduced to 24 months.
Supporters of the new coup leader have since blamed Damiba for failure to tackle insecurity and accused him of serving the interests of France, the former colonial power.
France on Saturday released a press statement denying any involvement of its military in the latest developments.
