The foreign minister, Kristian Jensen, is deeply concerned about the military coup that overthrew the government in Burkina Faso yesterday.
The coup, which has installed General Gilbert Dienderen as the nation’s new head of state, took place as the nation was preparing for the presidential and parliamentary election on October 11 in the wake of the relatively peaceful uprising against the former Blaise Compaoré regime last year.
“The situation in Burkina Faso is very worrying,” said Jensen. “I condemn the military coup that has waylaid the transition process towards free and fair elections on October 11.”
“I urge the preparation process looking ahead to the elections in October to be re-established as quickly as possible. Finally, it is important the detained people are released immediately. The entire international community must condemn this threat to peace and security in Burkina Faso.”
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Long-standing co-operation
Several people have been killed during the subsequent demonstrations against the coup.
Jensen said that democracy in Burkina Faso was essential to stability in the country and the entire Sahel region and Denmark would continue to monitor the situation.
Denmark has been an important development partner of Burkina Faso’s dating back to 1973.
