UN hails signing of transition framework in Burkina Faso

UNITED NATIONS -- The UN Security Council on Monday welcomed the signing of a Charter for the Transition in Burkina Faso, and called on all the stakeholders in the West African country to "facilitate the commencement of the work of the transitional organs without delay."

The 15-nation UN body also welcomed the appointment of Michel Kafando, the former foreign minister, as the civilian president of the transition, the council said in a statement issued to the press here.

"They called on all Burkinabe stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of the work of the Transitional organs without delay, " the statement. "They called upon the Burkinabe security forces to respect the civilian control and oversight of the transition."

The Charter of the Transition provides the legal framework for a civilian-led transition culminating in elections in November 2015.

Earlier Monday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated the people of Burkina Faso on the signing of the Charter of the Transition and on the appointment of Kafando as Transitional President.

In a separate statement issued by his spokesman, the secretary-general said he looks forward to the early appointment of the transitional prime minister, as well as other members of the transitional organs.

"The members of the Security Council commended all Burkinabe stakeholders for their exemplary collective engagement and sense of responsibility throughout the national dialogue process," the council statement said. "They welcomed the inclusive and civilian-led nature of this process directed towards a return to constitutional rule and democratic transition."

The council members also called on all stakeholders in Burkina Faso to continue to collaborate peacefully during the transition period toward the holding of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections.

Thousands of Burkinabe protesters took to the streets earlier this month in the capital of Ouagadougou, facing off with security forces outside the presidential palace amid deadly violence that included the ransacking of government buildings and the state television headquarters.

Following the violence, former President Blaise Compaore announced his resignation, ending his 27-year stay in office, and handed power over to the military.