Ouagadougou urges Burkina Faso to fast-track political transition

The African Union (AU) has urgently called on Burkina Faso to expedite its return to constitutional order by holding elections and reopening the political space, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining dialogue with Ouagadougou and supporting the country in its fight against terrorism.

During a visit to Burkina Faso’s capital, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, met with Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo and Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré. Notably, no meeting took place with the transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Following these discussions, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that despite Burkina Faso’s suspension from AU political bodies following the coup, the organization remains dedicated to engaging with the transitional authorities. He also reiterated the AU’s backing for the country’s efforts against terrorism and its intention to continue ongoing development programs.

The AU official stressed the importance of advancing the political process, insisting that the transition must restore political parties, reopen democratic space, and organize elections to reinstate constitutional governance.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also advocated for strengthened cooperation between Burkina Faso and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which the country exited in January 2025 alongside Mali and Niger to form the Sahel States Confederation (AES). He urged enhanced collaboration among regional bodies to address shared challenges.

In a statement, the AU reaffirmed its commitment to Burkina Faso’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. It further noted that the Burkinabe Prime Minister had renewed his government’s support for the AU’s institutional reforms and its goal of boosting financial autonomy.

This visit was part of a regional tour by the AU Commission Chairperson, who previously met with transitional authorities in Mali.