The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Burkina Faso, Njoya Tikum has praised the efforts of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS), which he said have secured 74% of the national territory.
“I commend the work of the FDS in securing 74% of the national territory, where the people of Burkina Faso now live and work every day to build a better future,” a UN statement quoted Njoya Tikum as saying.
He was speaking following a meeting with the Senior Minister for War and Patriotic Defence, Major General Celestin Simpore, held on Monday, October 19, in Ouagadougou.
The meeting was part of an ongoing process of dialogue and cooperation between the United Nations and the Burkinabe authorities, the statement indicated.
The talks had focused particularly on strengthening this cooperation in support of national priorities.
For several years, Burkina Faso has been battling jihadist violence that has claimed thousands of lives and caused massive population displacements.
In response to this situation, the authorities have made the recapture of national territory a priority.
Njoya Tikum’s statement comes at a time when securing the areas affected by the violence remains a major challenge.
This is particularly crucial for the return of displaced populations, the resumption of economic activities, and access to basic social services.
HO/te/fss/as/APA