Burkina Faso: Minister Emmanuel Ouédraogo welcomes the UN representative in Africa in audience
The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, received a United Nations delegation led by the Regional Director for Africa, Yacoub Ali El Hille, on Wednesday. The meeting, concluding a three-day mission, was an opportunity for what were described as “frank and constructive” discussions between the international organization and Burkinabe authorities.
This high-level visit comes just days after the expulsion of the UN Resident Coordinator in Burkina Faso, Carol Flore-Smereszuiak. The UN dispatched the delegation to Ouagadougou to rebuild dialogue and reaffirm its commitment to its partnership with the country.
Following the audience, Yacoub Ali El Hillo expressed his satisfaction with the exchanges: “We have just concluded a very cordial visit with the Prime Minister, at the end of a three-day mission during which we were able to engage with the Burkinabe government, our interim country team, and our partners from the international community,” he stated.
For his part, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s readiness to collaborate with the UN system transparently, but always with respect for its sovereignty. He insisted that the country is fighting to preserve its independence and that any action seen as legitimizing terrorism will not be tolerated.
Acknowledging the sensitivity of the current context, the head of the UN delegation assured that the organization fully respects Burkina Faso’s sovereignty. “This partnership is solid and is growing stronger, despite this exceptional moment, which we of course regret, but whose decision we fully respect,” stated Mr. El Hille, adding that the UN intends to continue its support for the country’s development and resilience efforts.
Olivier TOE
