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ECOWAS will not recognize any coup in Burkina Faso - Mahama warns

By Myjoyonline.com
Politics ECOWAS will not recognize any coup in Burkina Faso - Mahama warns
OCT 31, 2014 LISTEN

Following political chaos in Burkina Faso, ECOWAS Chairman John Dramani Mahama has reiterated ECOWAS's principle that it will not recognise any leader who rises to power through unconstitutional means.

In a statement from the Presidency last Thursday night, President Mahama drew the attention of the political class in the West African country to work within the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance to stabilise the country.

Burkina Faso president declares state of emergency and the army yesterday announced the dissolution of the country's National Assembly and the establishment of a new transitional governing body after nearly two days of opposition protests outside government buildings. Burkina protestors burn parliament, ransack state TV.

The violent protest forced MPs to abandon a vote aimed at allowing Mr Compaore to seek re-election in 2015.

Generla Traore has not spelt out who would lead the interim administration.

Blaise Compaoré has been in office for some 27 years wants to stand in next presidential elections despite exhausting his two term mandate of five years. Protests at attempts to amend the term limits began a year ago, fuelled by the high cost of living.

President Mahama has welcomed the withdrawal of the draft bill on constitutional amendment which has been the focal point of the conflict.

 
Read full statement
ECOWAS has followed with grave attention the events unfolding in Burkina Faso and the tension around the process leading to the consideration of the draft bill on constitutional amendment.

ECOWAS takes note of the decision by the government to withdraw the passing of this draft bill.

ECOWAS believes that this decision is geared towards preserving the stability and peace in the country. To this end, it reiterates the need for compliance with the principle of democracy and constitutional governance as stipulated in the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance.

ECOWAS calls on all the people to remain calm and law abiding, and the security forces to respect and act in accordance with the constitution of the Republic. It also calls on all the parties involved, notably the entire political class to embrace dialogue with a view to arriving at a political consensus that will lead to free, fair and credible election consistent with constitutional provisions.

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