Leading the News -
Burkina Faso:
On September 17th, U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice condemned the unconstitutional seizure of power by elements of the Presidential Security Regiment in Burkina Faso and called on the responsible parties to immediately release those being detained, order aligned forces to stand down, respect the rights of civilians to peacefully assembly, and put Burkina Faso back on the path to presidential elections in October. Ambassador Rice said the U.S. would continue to work with its partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (U.N.) to bring about a peaceful resolution. She also noted the U.S. would review its assistance to Burkina Faso in light of evolving events.
On September 17th, U.S. House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee Ranking Member Karen Bass (D-CA) expressed concern about recent events in Burkina Faso and called for the immediate release of President Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Isaac Zida, and all other officials being held. She said political debate and fair elections are crucial for any country to thrive and condemned attempts to take power by force. Additionally, Congresswoman Bass said the Presidential Security Regiment must end the violence immediately and tend to its primary mission to protect and defense the nation. She also urged all parties to work towards free, fair, and credible elections on October 11th.
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