President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday described the development in Burkina Faso as far below the democratic expectations, noting that efforts being made so far were to correct the deficiency.
Buhari in his opening remarks at a one-day the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit in Abuja emphasised how best to find amicable resolution to the political stalemate in Burkina Faso.
He commended the stakeholders involved in the crisis for their efforts to see peace return to that country. Buhari had called for the meeting following a visit by a delegation from the ECOWAS to the country on Thursday, last week.
Meanwhile, the ECOWAS leaders resolved that the interim leader, Mr. Michel Kafando and Prime Minister, Isaac Zida be reinstated immediately and unconditionally. They also resolved that all actions on the dissolution of the presidential guard be put on hold and status quo be maintained.
The summit reviewed the outcome of ECOWAS’ peace mission to the country for an on the spot assessment. Buhari said: “The recent developments in our sister country Burkina Faso run contrary to our expectations and the efforts so far deployed towards the restoration of constitutional order and democracy by ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and our international development partners is commendable.
“The commitment of the transitional administration of Michel Kafando to the implementation of the programme mandate of the transitional charter has equally been commended by the international community”.
He said the meeting was an opportunity to review the developments and for the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States/Governments as well as the president of the ECOWAS Commission to brief the summit on their consultations, while in Quagadougou.
He commended the Presidents of Senegal, Macky Sall and his counterpart from Benin Republic, Boni Yayi and President of ECOWAS Commission, who undertook the visit to Quagadougou last week to commence the process of engagement with the military junta, expressing delight that there were reports of some measure of understanding reached towards the resolution of the crisis.
Sall in his remarks proposed the shift of the election from October 11 to November 21 to ensure inclusiveness of all candidates to contest the polls, cool frayed nerves and pave the way for free, fair and credible elections.
He also proposed amnesty for the coupists to enhance national cohesion for the common good of the country.
Sall however said the suggestion for the amnesty was not aimed at encouraging impunity but to guarantee peace and unity of the country. He called on ECOWAS to provide $1 million to support the families of the affected victims of the crisis. (Daily Sun)