Noting the appointment in Burkina Faso on Sunday of the 26-member transitional Government,  Ban also urged in a statement attributed to his spokesperson that all national stakeholders engage in dialogue to guide the country to elections next year.

“The Secretary-General calls on all appointed transitional leaders to work in a collaborative and harmonious manner to ensure that the aspirations of the people of Burkina Faso are upheld,” the spokesperson said.

“He also urges all national stakeholders to address any contentious issues through dialogue to ensure a smooth transitional period leading to the holding of elections in November 2015.”

 Ban emphasized that the UN will continue to work closely with the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international stakeholders in support of the transition in Burkina Faso.

“He looks forward to the appointment of members of the Transitional National Council,” the statement also noted.

 Ban’s message comes as the country officially marked the transfer of power to Transitional President, Michel Kafando, in a ceremony heldFriday in the capital city of Ouagadougou.

Watering a field of vegetables in Kieryaghin village, Burkina Faso. Photo: WorldBank/Dominic Chavez