According to a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York, the Secretary-General is following with great concern the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso.

Media reports suggest that thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in the capital, Ouagadougou, facing off with security forces outside the presidential palace amid deadly violence that included ransacking Government buildings and the state television headquarters earlier on Thursday. The country’s airport has reportedly been closed.

“He calls on all parties to end the use of violence, exercise calm and restraint, and use dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues,” said the statement.

“The Secretary-General is saddened over the loss of life resulting from recent events,” the statement continued, adding that  Ban has requested his Special Representative for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, to visit Burkina Faso on Friday and he welcomes that  Chambas’ mission will be undertaken jointly with the African Union and the Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS).

Billboard promoting peace in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso. Photo: IRIN/Chris Simpson