U.N. chief congratulates new Burkina Faso president upon inauguration

Following peaceful campaigns and a smooth election, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was inaugurated as Burkina Faso's new president this week in Ouagadougou, the nation's capital.

United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon offered Kaboré his congratulations and best wishes in a statement.

"I wish you every success in the fulfillment of your new mandate to guide your country toward stability, democratic governance, the protection of human rights and economic development," Ki-moon said. "This is a historic moment for Burkina Faso. I commend the country’s people and political leaders for their exemplary conduct and peaceful and responsible participation during the vote of Nov. 29 that successfully marked the end of the transition period."

Ki-moon also lauded Burkina Faso's election officials.

"The successful completion of elections in Burkina Faso is a significant development, not only for the country, but also for the Sahel region, where socioeconomic hardship and contested electoral processes continue to be a source of tension, and at a time when terrorist groups, illicit trafficking and irregular migration continue to threaten regional security," Ki-moon said. "Many priorities and formidable challenges await the new government. These include moving ahead with an inclusive national reconciliation process and continuing to reform the security sector."