UN General Assembly
1967

89. The revolution in Upper Volta on 3 January 1966, which was a popular uprising, resulted from such a need. But it occurred in a political and regional context of such a nature that the uninitiated and observers unfamiliar with conditions in our part of the world were too ready to classify it as one of the "military coups d'état" which have shaken Africa in recent years. It is particularly important to stress that this was neither a military copu d'état — at no time and at no level was there any concerted attempt by the army to seize power — nor a sudden whim on the part of the citizens of Upper Volta, but that it arose from a pressing need created by the healthy demands of the moment, by wisdom, and by popular good sense. We might also recall that the peaceful nature of the change in regime compelled the respect of all those impartial observers who really wished Upper Volta well. But for the country itself, it afforded an excellent opportunity for finding out who its real friends were.