The UN Security Council on Friday voiced serious concern over the Sept. 30 coup in Burkina Faso that ousted President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, particularly given the serious regional security challenges in the country's Sahel region. The second military takeover in Burkina Faso in eight months is regrettable and undermines stability, the members of the council said in a statement, calling on the parties in the West African country to settle their differences through dialogue. The coup was the second this year in Burkina Faso. In the one on January 24, former President Roch Kabore was overthrown, and Damiba was sworn in on February 16. The council members welcomed the call of the Economic Community of West African States for an end to violence and looting of all kinds, and underscored the urgent need for the restoration of constitutional order in Burkina Faso. They expressed their support for regional and continental mediation efforts. The council members welcomed the statement issued by the African Union (AU) that reaffirmed the AU's opposition to any seizure or retention of power by unconstitutional means in Burkina Faso and demanded scrupulous respect for the timetable for a rapid return to constitutional order. The council members further regretted that the political and security instability and the dire socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso would provide an opportunity for terrorist groups to wreak havoc in that country. They encouraged more international support to help address the situation in the country. They also welcomed the advice of the UN Peacebuilding Commission regarding supporting peacebuilding efforts in Burkina Faso, including the commission's engagement and coordination with Burkina Faso's regional and international partners to effectively address the country's peacebuilding and transition challenges.
