Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the coup d'état in Burkina Faso

"The coup d'état" in Burkina Faso is an unacceptable attack on the ongoing process of transition. Power must be handed back immediately and unconditionally to the civilian authorities in order to ensure a return to political transition, in keeping with the Constitution of Burkina Faso and the Transition Charter.

We also call for the immediate release of President Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida and certain members of his government still held by force.

The legitimate democratic aspirations of the Burkinabe people must be taken seriously and violence must be contained. There can be no question of any delay in the transition process leading to the elections to be held on 11 October.

The European Union reserves the right to consider possible measures, including taking action against those responsible for the coup d'état.

The European Union continues to work closely with the rest of the international community, in particular the United Nations, ECOWAS and the African Union, co-chairs of the International Group for Support and Assistance to the Transition, in order to ensure a coordinated and firm response and to bring peace, stability and security to the country."