Military forces should not attack governments or fight for power, Mr. Guterres told the press concerning recent events in Burkina Faso, where a group of officials deposed the president.

Unfortunately, there are terrorist groups and a great number of threats to international peace and security in the region, UNSG said, calling for the military forces to take on their professional role to protect their nations and restore democratic institutions.

“Democratic societies are a value that must be preserved. Military coups are unacceptable in the 21st century,” Mr. Guterres stressed. A group of officers deposed Burkinabe President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré on Monday, claiming the coup d’état initially denied by the government. mh/pll/mem/ifb