Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, on Tuesday, stated that the United
Nations system “must not be used as a Trojan horse for imperialism against Burkina Faso,” while reaffirming his government’s commitment to continuing cooperation with the organisation.
Burkina Faso wants to maintain its partnership with the UN, but it must not be used against the country’s interests, said Ouedraogo who was speaking in Ouagadougou during a meeting with Maurice Azonnankpo, the acting resident representative of the United Nations system, who was concluding his mission.
“The RPP’s agenda is not directed against anyone. The UN is an embodiment of all countries. The United Nations System must not serve as a Trojan horse for imperialism against our people. That is what we reject,” the PM stated, according to remarks reported by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo commended Mr. Azonnankpo’s work and reaffirmed the authorities’ commitment to strengthening cooperation with UN agencies “while respecting national priorities and the interests of the people.”
For his part, Maurice Azonnankpo spoke of a partnership based on “transparency, ongoing dialogue, and active listening.” He cited among the achievements the strengthening of strategic dialogue, the implementation of programs to support vulnerable communities, and the finalisation of the new United Nations Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development.
The UN official is handing over his duties to Njoya Tikum, the new Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Burkina Faso.
HO/Sf/fss/as/APA