Ougadougou — ECOWAS, African Union and United Nations, which jointly chair the International Follow-up and Support Group for the Transition in Burkina Faso (GISAT-BF), have learned with great dismay of the abduction by the presidential guards, of the President of Faso, Michel Kafando, the Prime Minister, Yacouba Isaac Zida, and transitional Ministers. This incident occurred during the Ministerial Council meeting at the Presidential Palace in Kossyam.

The three organisations strongly condemn this gross violation of the Constitution and the Charter of the Transition and demand that the defence and security forces submit to the political authorities and in this case, the transition government.

ECOWAS, African Union and United nations call for the immediate release of the hostages. They emphatically state that the abductors will answer for their actions and will be held responsible for any physical harm to the President of the Faso, the Prime Minister and other persons being held hostage.

The three organisations reaffirm their full support to the Transition at this critical time, for the conclusion of its mission with the conduct of elections scheduled to hold on 11 October 2015. They reiterate their determination, in support of the national authorities, to spare no effort in ensuring the successful completion of the transition process in Burkina Faso.

DONE AT OUAGADOUGOU THIS 16TH SEPTEMBER 2015