More than 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their home areas in Burkina Faso, according to the government, which presented these developments to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, during his visit to the country.
Salih was participating in a working session held Wednesday evening in Ouagadougou with a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The meeting brought together, among others, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traore; the Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo; the Minister of Solidarity,
Lieutenant-Colonel Passowende Pelagie Kabre/Kabore; and the Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, Bebgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabre/Kabore.
Burkinabe authorities presented the UNHCR High Commissioner with the progress made in the process of returning and resettling IDPs, against a backdrop where the government aims to shift gradually from an emergency response to the empowerment of vulnerable populations.
“Burkina Faso remains a land of hospitality,” government representatives emphasised, reaffirming their commitment to protecting forcibly displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
For its part, the UNHCR commended the authorities’ efforts in managing refugees and stateless persons, as well as the process of returning internally displaced persons.
Barham Salih stressed the importance of his presence on the ground, noting that it allows for a better understanding of the realities experienced by the population and provides an assessment of the situation that goes beyond mere reports.
Both parties agreed to strengthen their partnership by aligning it more closely with the priorities and solutions defined by the Burkinabe authorities.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the National Commission for Refugees (CONAREF), while the Minister in charge of Solidarity serves as First Vice-Chair and the Minister of Justice as Second Vice-Chair.
HO/te/Sf/fss/as/APA