Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, addressed the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate in New York on Monday, providing an update on his country’s ongoing fight against terrorism in the northeast region.
Minister Traore noted that Burkina Faso had made significant strides in regaining control of its territory, with nearly 70% of the nation now under government authority, up from 40% in 2022.
He also condemned what he described as propaganda against the Burkinabe Defence and Security Forces (FDS), emphasizing their professionalism and commitment to human rights.
“The professionalism and the stellar conduct of our Defense and Security Forces is demonstrated through their participation in peacekeeping operations. The ongoing training and examination of our defense forces and volunteers in international humanitarian law guarantee that our professional conduct is unimpeachable in respecting human rights,” Traore stated.
Accusations of Foreign Interference
In his speech, Traore accused foreign powers of financing and supporting terrorism in the Sahel, specifically naming Ukraine as a “sponsor” of terrorist activities in the region.
He highlighted the role of the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), stressing its importance in safeguarding the populations of the Sahel, who have endured severe suffering due to the ongoing security and humanitarian crises.
“The popular support and enthusiasm sparked by the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) can be partly explained by the failure and incapacity of sub-regional institutions and mechanisms to respond to the security concerns of our populations, which are legitimate. The creation of the Alliance has been lifesaving and will be our salvation. Its primary aim is to protect the populations of the Sahel who have suffered from the security and humanitarian crises, and against whom deadly measures were deliberately enforced to exacerbate their suffering,” Traore said.
He added that Burkina Faso and its allies within the AES were still awaiting strong decisions from the UN Security Council, following their appeal in August for assistance in addressing the security situation in the Sahel.
Call for UN Security Council Reform
Traore concluded his address by calling for a reform of the UN Security Council to include African representation, stating that such a change would correct the historical injustice against Africa and affirm the universal character of the United Nations.
“That will enable us to establish the universal character of the UN and repair the persistent injustice against Africa,” he concluded.
(AP)
