Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, met with a United Nations delegation on Monday, August 25, to discuss continued cooperation following the recent expulsion of UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak.
The Burkinabe government declared Flore-Smereczniak “persona non grata” on August 18, accusing her of co-authoring a “false” report on the situation of children in the country. The report, titled Children and Armed Conflict in Burkina Faso, was criticized by Ouagadougou for allegedly lacking evidence and failing to consult with national authorities. The government also believes the report incorrectly equates armed groups with its national defense and security forces, which it sees as an attempt to legitimize terrorism.
Despite this strained context, the UN delegation, led by Yacoub Ali El-Hillo, affirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Burkina Faso. El-Hillo introduced Maurice Azonnankpo, the new interim head of UN coordination in the country.
Minister Traoré defended the expulsion as a “sovereign measure” taken after careful consideration, but he also assured the delegation that Burkina Faso remains committed to multilateralism. He stressed the importance of a partnership based on transparency, mutual respect, and a coordinated approach to preparing reports.
Both parties have expressed a shared desire to maintain their cooperation, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for Tuesday to continue the consultations.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA