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The African Union (AU) has commended Burkina Faso for its early ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, describing it as evidence of the country’s commitment to the bloc’s democratic and governance principles.
The commendation was delivered on Thursday during a meeting in Ouagadougou between the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.
AU, in a statement posted on X, said Youssouf praised Burkina Faso’s record on continental governance frameworks during talks focused on peace, stability, development and AU institutional reforms.
“The Chairperson commended Burkina Faso’s early ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections & Governance as a reflection of its longstanding commitment to the Union’s normative frameworks,” the AU said.
The AU Chairperson also reaffirmed the continental body’s support for Burkina Faso following ongoing security and development challenges.
“The Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s solidarity with the Government & people of Burkina Faso in their pursuit of peace, stability & development,” the statement read.
Youssouf further emphasised that the AU remained committed to supporting Burkina Faso’s development efforts while respecting its sovereignty.
The visit formed part of Youssouf’s engagement with AU member states on the continental body’s “shared continental priorities.”
Prime Minister Ouédraogo welcomed the AU delegation and expressed appreciation for the organisation’s support.
The discussions also touched on AU institutional reforms and regional security cooperation. Youssouf noted the need for stronger collaboration among African states in tackling common challenges.
“He further noted the importance of strengthened regional cooperation in addressing shared peace, security & development challenges, including through the Nouakchott Process,” the AU said.
For his part, Ouédraogo expressed support for the AU’s reform agenda and pledged Burkina Faso’s continued commitment to strengthening the Union’s financial independence.
“The Prime Minister expressed support for the Union’s institutional reform agenda & reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s commitment to strengthening the Union’s financial autonomy through enhanced domestic resource mobilisation,” the statement added.
The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance is one of the AU’s key governance instruments, aimed at promoting democratic principles, constitutional order, credible elections and accountable leadership across member states.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Burkina Faso, H.E. Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, received the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at his office in #Ouagadougou this morning.
Prime Minister Ouédraogo appreciated the visit &… pic.twitter.com/7g3YGo5two
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) July 16, 2026
