PSC/PR/COMM.(CDLXV) Page 1 COMMUNIQUÉ The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 465th meeting held on 3 November 2014, adopted the following decision on the situation in Burkina Faso: Council, 1. Takes note of the statement made by the Chairperson of the Commission and the briefing provided by the Commissioner for Peace and Security on the situation in Burkina Faso. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representative of Burkina Faso, as well as by those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations; 2. Recalls the relevant provisions of the AU Constitutive Act, as well as those of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Council also recalls its previous press statements and communiqués on the issue of unconstitutional changes of Government and popular uprisings, including Press Statement PSC/PR/BR.(CDXXXII) adopted at its 432nd meeting held on 29 April 2014, in which it reiterated its rejection of unconstitutional changes of Government, as well as the recognition of the right of peoples to rise up peacefully against oppressive political systems; 3. Expresses its solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso, and acknowledges their profound aspiration, to uphold their Constitution and to deepen democracy in the country; 4. Strongly condemns the acts of violence that took place in Burkina Faso, which led to the loss of human lives and destruction of property, and urges that the sponsors and authors of those acts of violence be brought to justice. Council presents its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. Council deeply deplores the destruction of private and public property and calls for the return to calm and an end to all acts of violence and destruction of property; 5. Takes note of the resignation of Mr. Blaise Compaoré from his post of President of Faso, which constitutes an important step in the search for a consensual and lasting solution to the crisis in that country; 6. Deplores the declaration by the military through which it suspended the Constitution and assumed power, following the resignation of the President of Faso, as constituting a coup d’État, which Council strongly condemns; 7. Endorses the press releases issued by the Chairperson of the Commission on 30 October 2014 and on 1 November 2014. Council commends the Chairperson of the Commission for her commitment and efforts towards the early settlement of the crisis in Burkina Faso and the establishment of a civilian-led and consensual transition. Council also welcomes the dispatch of