ECOWAS Warns Against Hijack Of Power In Burkina Faso

West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, has warned that it would not accept any party seizing power through non-constitutional means during Burkina Faso's political crisis. The warning came as military officials and opposition leaders held talks in the capital, Ouagadougou, amid a vaccuum sparked by protesters demanding the removal of President Blaise Compaore storming parliament and state television. This was contained in a press statement signed by President John Mahama, current Chairman of ECOWAS. The Statement said ECOWAS has followed with �grave attention the events unfolding in Burkina Faso and the tension around the process leading to the consideration of the draft bill on constitutional amendment.� According to the Statement, ECOWAS has taken note of the decision by the government to withdraw the passing of this draft bill, therefore it believes that this decision is geared towards preserving the stability and peace in the country. The Statement calls on the people of Burkina Faso to remain calm and be law abiding, and also called on the security forces to respect and act in accordance with the constitution of the Republic. Violence erupted in the country over moves by President Blaise Compaor� to add a further term to his 27 years in office. Mr Compaore took power in a coup in 1987, and has since won four elections.