The African Union has issued a statement supporting the people of Burkina Faso on their quest for Democracy. AU Chief Dlamini-Zuma called on both parties in Burkina Faso to exercise restrain and avoid violence. In a statement below the AU chief said they are sending a special delegation to the volatile political unrest that sends its President Compaore packing. He is reportedly in hiding and has issued a statement calling to for negotiations with the demonstrators. Compaore has ruled the country for 27 years and wants to extend his term limit for another term. Below is the carefully worded statement from the AU chief..
Addis Ababa (AFP) – The African Union on Thursday voiced “deep concern” over the violence in Burkina Faso and said it was sending a high-level delegation to the country .
AU chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma “has expressed deep concern about the unfolding situation in Burkina Faso and is following its evolution very closely,” the African bloc said in a statement.
“She has called for calm and utmost restraint from all the parties concerned. She urges the Burkinabe political actors and people to refrain from all acts of violence and act in the supreme interest of their country,” it added.
Angry demonstrators went on the rampage in Burkina Faso Thursday, setting parliament ablaze in violent protests against plans to extend the 27-year-rule of President Blaise Compaore.
The AU said it had sent “a high-level Team that will form part of a Joint Delegation comprising the AU, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations to Burkina Faso to consult with all the Burkinabe stakeholders.”
The statement also assured “the people of Burkina Faso of the unflinching support of the AU, as they look for political solutions to the current difficulties facing their country.”