Ouagadougou faces pressure from african union over political transition

During a high-level mission to Ouagadougou, the African Union (AU) pressed Burkina Faso’s transitional authorities to expedite the return to constitutional order by holding elections and reopening the political space. The call came as the AU reaffirmed its commitment to sustained dialogue with Ouagadougou while continuing to support the country’s fight against terrorism.

The AU’s Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, engaged with Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, and Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, following a regional tour that also included Mali. Notably absent from the meetings was the transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

In a post-meeting statement, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that despite Burkina Faso’s suspension from AU political bodies following the coup, the organization remains focused on constructive engagement. He stressed the AU’s backing for the country’s counterterrorism efforts and ongoing development programs.

Restoring constitutional rule emerged as the central priority. The AU official underscored that the transition must culminate in the reinstatement of political parties, the revival of democratic freedoms, and the organization of elections to restore constitutional governance.

He also advocated for strengthened collaboration between Burkina Faso and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which the country, along with Mali and Niger, left in early 2025 to form the Sahel States Confederation (AES). The AU urged closer regional cooperation to tackle shared security and economic challenges.

The AU’s communiqué reaffirmed its respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. It also highlighted that the Prime Minister had restated his government’s alignment with the AU’s institutional reforms and its push for greater financial independence.