CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: THE APRM PROCESS AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BURKINA FASO _____________________________________________________________________ methodology. Thereafter, each goal is analysed, beginning with a brief summary of the CSAR regarding such goal. This is then followed by the findings of the CRM – findings that stem from the CRM’s meetings with stakeholders at both national and regional levels. The consideration of each goal ends with the recommendations of the APR Panel relating to certain governance issues that seem important in order to complement the actions taken by, or planned to be taken by, the authorities as a follow-up to their selfassessment. Given that one of the objectives of the APRM is the dissemination of good practices on the continent, the good practices of Burkina Faso are also cited, and boxes highlight aspects of governance specific to Burkina Faso and meriting emphasis. 47. Chapter Seven contains an analysis of crosscutting issues to be found in two or more themes and which require comprehensive analysis, and Chapter Eight, or the general conclusion, is devoted to constraints and perspectives. 1.5 Commitment of the head of state to the APRM process 48. One of the prerequisites for a successful APRM exercise in any given country is a high degree of cooperation between national authorities and the CRM. In this regard, therefore, the personal commitment of the head of state in the present instance is a strong indication that the government – and thus the country as a whole – is a stakeholder in the exercise. In the case of Burkina Faso, the APRM mission particularly welcomes the very high level of commitment shown by the highest authorities of Burkina Faso. Indeed, the mission constantly benefited from the personal support of His Excellency Mr Blaise Compaoré, president of Burkina Faso, and from the country’s entire government. In all, the head of state granted five audiences to the mission, including a working lunch and a restitution session that lasted for a total of 12 hours. This exceptional involvement at such a high level gave the Burkina Faso review process a positive impetus. It should therefore be commended and highlighted as a good practice. He received the review mission on four occasions – including a working lunch and a debriefing session – for a total of over eight hours of interviews and exchanges. 49. This commitment by the highest authorities of the country motivated and encouraged the highly active participation of the different Burkinabe stakeholders, which is an expression of their faith and hope in the APRM exercise as bringing about positive changes and a better future in the system of governance of their country. Moreover, the prime minister helped to facilitate meetings with all members of government, and ensured that all official documents were provided to members of the mission. After meeting with all ministries, the mission met the prime minister and the entire government in a working session that lasted for more than six hours. 47