Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, praised Burkina Faso’s refugee integration policy during a visit to Ouagadougou on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Following a high-level working session with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Menikdiwela described the nation’s approach as exemplary, noting that it stands out as particularly effective despite the challenging security and economic conditions currently facing the country.
During her first official visit to Burkina Faso, the UNHCR envoy sought to observe the living conditions of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) firsthand and to recognize the authorities’ commitment to maintaining asylum and hospitality. She expressed particular admiration for the country’s practice of integrating refugees directly into host communities upon their arrival, a model she described as uncommon and remarkably inclusive, even when compared to more economically advanced nations. In response, she reaffirmed the UNHCR’s ongoing commitment to supporting Burkina Faso’s comprehensive humanitarian strategy, which prioritizes social cohesion and long-term reintegration for refugees, returnees, and host populations alike.
Minister Traore noted that the visit provided a vital opportunity for the international community to witness the reality on the ground, bypassing narratives found on social media to understand the government’s strategic vision for managing vulnerable populations. He emphasized that the state’s current priority is to transition these groups away from a state of permanent dependency. By fostering self-reliance, the government aims to empower displaced persons to actively contribute to the development of their host communities rather than being viewed as an additional burden on local resources.
The discussions, which included representatives from the Ministries of Humanitarian Action, Justice, and Security, also provided a comprehensive overview of the nation’s security and humanitarian landscape. Beyond discussing integration successes, the participants addressed the significant challenges associated with securing consistent international funding to support recovery programs and the sustainable return of internally displaced persons to their home regions.
Ho/Sf/fss/abj/APA