The African Union’s Visit to Ouagadougou
The African Union (AU) has called on the Burkina Faso authorities to accelerate the return to constitutional order by organizing elections and reopening political space, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining dialogue with Ouagadougou and supporting the country in its fight against terrorism.
Meeting with the Government
The AU’s president, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, met with the Prime Minister, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, as well as the Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, during his visit to the capital.
Africa Union’s Position
After meeting with the government officials, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterated that despite the Burkina Faso suspension from the AU’s political institutions following the coup, the organization remains committed to maintaining dialogue with the authorities of transition. He also reaffirmed the organization’s support for the country’s efforts against terrorism and its commitment to continuing development programs.
Necessity of Political Evolution
However, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the need for a political evolution. According to him, the transition should lead to the restoration of political parties, the reopening of democratic space, and the organization of elections that would allow the country to return to constitutional order.
Rapprochement with Regional Organizations
He also called for a rapprochement between Burkina Faso and the Community of West African States (CEDEAO), which the country left in January 2025 along with Mali and Niger, before forming the Sahel Region’s Confederation of States (AES).
AU’s Commitment
In a statement, the AU reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Burkina Faso. The Prime Minister also renewed his government’s support for the organization’s institutional reforms and its goal of strengthening its financial autonomy.
