Brussels, 22 September 2015/ ACP: The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States joins the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and ECOWAS in calling resolutely for a return to peace and a democratically elected Government in Burkina Faso, following the violent events that have taken place over the past week.

The ACP Group, which stands for the promotion of sustainable development, peace, democracy and the rule of law in its Member States, condemns in the strongest possible terms the coup d’etat in Burkina Faso perpetrated by the RSP (presidential guards), and the abduction of President Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Yacoub Isaac Zida and Ministers of the Transitional Government, who have been subsequently released.

The ACP Group deplores the tragic loss of life, which came about as the people of Burkina Faso protested the usurpation of the Constitution and the Charter of the Transitional Process.

The ACP Group urges the RSP to refrain from all acts of violence and intimidation on the people of Burkina Faso that will undermine the peace, security and political stability of the country. The hard-won political settlements of the Transitional Government and the Special Group for the Transition in Burkina Faso (GISAT-BF) to support the aspirations of the people for a democratically elected government through peaceful, free and fair elections, scheduled to take place on 11 October 2015, must not be undermined by the use of force and utter disregard for the rule of law. The ACP Group urges all parties to work towards the de-escalation of violence and a peaceful resolution.

The ACP Group remains steadfast in its support of the Transitional Government and the ongoing mediation efforts at the regional level to prepare the country for a return to a democratically elected Government.

For more information, contact ACP Press Attache, Josephine Latu-Sanft, +32 2 7430617 or latu@acp.int.