During a high-level visit to Ouagadougou, the African Union (AU) reiterated its call for Burkina Faso to expedite the restoration of constitutional order by holding elections and reopening the political space. The organization also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open dialogue with the transitional authorities in the country while continuing to support efforts to combat terrorism.
The AU Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, met with Burkina Faso‘s Prime Minister, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré. Notably, no meeting was held with the transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Following the discussions, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that despite Burkina Faso‘s suspension from AU political bodies due to the recent coup, the organization remains dedicated to constructive engagement with the transitional government. He also stressed the AU’s ongoing support for the country’s security efforts against terrorism and its dedication to advancing regional development initiatives.
The AU leader underscored the urgent need to advance the political transition process. He stressed that the transition should pave the way for the reinstatement of political parties, the reopening of democratic spaces, and the organization of elections to restore constitutional governance.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf further advocated for strengthened collaboration between Burkina Faso and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, particularly as Burkina Faso—alongside Mali and Niger—had withdrawn from ECOWAS earlier this year to form the Sahel States Confederation (AES). The AU Chairperson called for unified action among regional blocs to address shared challenges.
In an official statement, the AU reaffirmed its respect for Burkina Faso‘s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The organization also noted that Burkina Faso‘s Prime Minister had reaffirmed his government’s commitment to institutional reforms within the AU and to enhancing the continent’s financial independence.
This visit was part of a wider regional tour by the AU Commission Chairperson, who had previously engaged with transitional authorities in Mali.
