Media reports state that at least 58 people died when armed and security forces began firing to disperse the demonstrators.

Mr. Ban is “shocked by the loss of life, the high number of people injured and the destruction of property as a result of the excessive use of force,” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, adding that he sends his condolences to the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General urged authorities in Guinea and the security forces “to exercise maximum restraint and to uphold the rule of law, including respect for basic human rights.”

The statement added that Mr. Ban urged all sides in the impoverished West African country to “commit to a peaceful, consensual transitional process” through the early holding of credible, transparent elections.

“To this end, the Secretary-General calls upon the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) to respect its earlier commitments not to participate in the elections. He calls on all Guinean stakeholders to cooperate fully with the International Contact Group on Guinea.”

News Tracker: past stories on this issue

Guinea: Ban calls for peaceful, democratic power transfer after President’s death