Burkina Faso / Humanitarian situation: The government calls on the United Nations to take action
A delegation from the United Nations, led by the Secretary-General’s Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos SIMAO, recently visited Burkina Faso to hold talks with the government and religious leaders. The aim of the meeting was to gain a first-hand understanding of the complex humanitarian crisis prevailing in the country, particularly as a result of the security crisis.
The UN delegation was received by a government team made up of several ministers, including the Minister of National Defence, the Minister of the Civil Service, Labour and Social Protection, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralisation and Security, as well as deputy ministers.
The Burkinabe government shared with the delegation recent developments on the ground, highlighting the commitment of the fighting forces and the general mobilisation of the population against terrorism.
However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of supplying the equipment needed to deal with this threat.
In a spirit of collaboration, the government expressed its expectations of the United Nations, calling for the mobilisation of the international community in support of Burkina Faso.
They underlined the importance of lifting the obstacles to enable the country to acquire the equipment essential to the fight against terrorism.
Another point raised was the need for frank collaboration with UN personnel deployed in Burkina Faso, underlining the importance of effective coordination to achieve common objectives.
The UN delegation took note of these concerns and undertook to report back to the Secretary-General and the international community.
It acknowledged the complex situation facing Burkina Faso and pledged to explore ways of stepping up UN support to meet the country’s urgent needs.
Prior to the discussions with the government, religious leaders representing the Burkina-Niger Episcopal Conference, the Federation of Evangelical Churches and Missions and the Muslim community also expressed their concerns and expectations of the United Nations.
They stressed the importance of humanitarian assistance, securing the territory, education and health, and called for a stronger UN commitment alongside the Burkinabe government.
This meeting underlines the urgent need for concerted action to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso, demonstrating the need for close collaboration between the government, the United Nations and the international community.
Maiga DAO
