U.S. Calls for Peaceful Transfer of Power in Burkina Faso
The United States on Friday urged Burkina Faso to ensure any political transition would take place in accordance with the constitution, after embattled leader Blaise Compaore resigned.
Compaore said he was making way for elections after a violent uprising against his 27-year rule that saw protesters storm and set fire to parliament.
"The United States calls for a transfer of power in accordance with the constitution," White House National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said in a statement.
"We regret the loss of life stemming from the recent violence in Burkina Faso and reiterate our call for all parties to avoid violence."
Meehan expressed particular concern over Army chief Navere Honore Traore's announcement that he would take power -- a move that will likely prove hugely unpopular with the protesters, who see him as a close ally of Compaore.
"We strongly condemn any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means," she said.
The protests started as lawmakers prepared to vote on legislation that would allow the 63-year-old Compaore to contest elections in November 2015.
They have plunged Burkina Faso into its worst crisis since a wave of mutinies shook the country in 2011.
Source: Agence France Presse
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