ECOWAS warns against hijack of power in Burkina Faso

The Economic Community of West African States has warned against hijack of power through violent means in Burkina Faso, saying it will not recognise ascension to power through non-constitutional means.
The community called for calm following the violence that erupted in the country over moves by President Blaise Compaoré to add a further term to his 27 years in office.
Compadre had declared a state of emergency and dissolved the government on Thursday, but also offered negotiations with his adversaries after a day of fiery protests against his plans to elongate his tenure.
The ECOWAS in a statement by the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government and Ghanaian President, John Mahama, and emailed to our correspondent in Abuja on Thursday, said it was following with grave attention, the events unfolding in Burkina Faso and the tension around the process leading to the consideration of the draft bill on constitutional amendment.
It said it had taken note of the decision by the government to withdraw the passing of the draft bill, and believed that it was geared towards preserving the stability and peace in the country.
It said, “ECOWAS calls on all the people to remain calm and law abiding, and the security forces to respect and act in accordance with the constitution of the Republic.”