Burkina Faso and African Union Discuss Accelerating Political Transition and Institutional Reform

The African Union’s Commission President, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, visited Ouagadougou and met with Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo and Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean‑Marie Traoré. He urged the Burkina Faso transition authorities to restore constitutional order by reopening the political space, re‑establishing political parties and organizing elections, while reaffirming the AU’s support for the country’s fight against terrorism and its ongoing dialogue despite the post‑coup suspension.

During the same talks, Prime Minister Ouédraogo called for a more sovereign African Union, criticizing its reliance on external financing and urging reforms of its decision‑making mechanisms, greater youth consultation and stronger solidarity with Sahel states facing security challenges. The AU Commission President welcomed Burkina Faso’s willingness to strengthen its sovereignty and pledged continued assistance.

Both sides emphasized the need for closer cooperation between regional bodies, including a renewed relationship with ECOWAS, to address shared security and development concerns.