Burkina Faso: Rabat calls on all parties to show restraint

The Moroccan government has expressed its deep concern over the situation in Burkina Faso and urged all parties to show restraint to avoid turmoil and instability in this West African country.

In a statement issued Monday by foreign ministry, Rabat called on all stakeholders in Burkina Faso to give priority to the supreme national interest of their country and to work for the security and peace of the Burkinabe people.

Morocco, which is united with Burkina Faso by strong ties, supports ECOWAS efforts for a peaceful transition in this sisterly African country, underlined the statement.

The Moroccan ministry of Foreign Affairs continues monitor closely the situation, while the Embassy of the Kingdom in Ouagadougou urges Moroccan expatriates to stay at home and remain vigilant.

On Friday, army captain Ibrahim Traore ousted military leader Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba who had overthrown an elected government in January. This is Burkina Faso’s second military coup this year, deepening fears that the political chaos could divert attention from an Islamic insurgency whose violence has killed thousands and forced 2 million to flee their homes.

The United States, the European Union, ECOWAS and the African Union have all condemned the military coup and the ongoing violence, which put in jeopardy the agreed-upon timeline for a return to a democratically elected and civilian-led government.

They also called for de-escalation of the situation and return to a constitutional order.