Burkina Faso: The United Nations express their regrets to the Burkinabe Authorities

Just days after the expulsion of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Burkina Faso, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, a high-level UN delegation was dispatched to Ouagadougou to re-establish dialogue with Burkinabe authorities. Led by Mr. El Hillo, the mission spent three days in the capital meeting with institutional and diplomatic stakeholders.

Following an audience with the Prime Minister, the delegation head described the talks as “very cordial.”

Discussions focused not only on cooperation between Burkina Faso and the UN system but also on the internal dynamics of the UN country team now under interim leadership and consultations with the broader international community in the country.

Mr. El Hillo expressed the UN’s regrets to the Burkinabe authorities and acknowledged the sensitivity of the current context. He emphasized the need to maintain a frank and constructive dialogue to preserve mutual trust and ensure the continuity of programs supporting the population.

The UN official also affirmed that the United Nations fully respects Burkina Faso’s sovereignty a fundamental principle that will now guide their relationship with the country.

This clear recognition of Burkinabe sovereign choices was seen as a signal of de-escalation and a recalibration of the cooperation framework.

Maurice K.ZONGO