Burkina Faso Accuses Foreign Powers of ‘Deliberately Exacerbating Suffering’ in the Sahel

Burkina Faso’s government accuses foreign powers of worsening the suffering of Sahelian countries, calling for greater sovereignty and support. Discover the details behind their bold statement.

On Monday, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate in New York.

He stated that nearly 70% of the territory is now under control, an increase from just 40% in 2022, as his country continues to battle a terrorist group in the northeast.

Foreign Minister Traore also criticized what he described as propaganda targeting Burkina Faso’s Defense Forces.

He emphasized “the professionalism and exemplary conduct” of the country’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS), noting that their participation in peacekeeping operations is frequently acknowledged right here at this podium. He assured that continuous training and evaluation of both our defense forces and volunteers in international humanitarian law ensure our actions remain beyond reproach, upholding human rights impeccably.”

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Foreign powers providing financial and logistical support to terrorism

Karamoko Jean Marie Traore stated that the primary goal of the Alliance of Sahel states is to “protect the populations of the Sahel who have endured security and humanitarian crises, facing deliberate deadly measures intended to worsen their suffering.”

In that context, he reiterated his country’s accusation against Ukraine, labeling it a “sponsor” of terrorists in the Sahel.

The widespread support and enthusiasm generated by the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) can be attributed, in part, to the ineffectiveness and inability of sub-regional institutions to adequately address legitimate security concerns. The establishment of this Alliance has been crucial for our survival; it offers a beacon of hope. Its main goal is to safeguard the people living in the Sahel who have endured severe security challenges and humanitarian crises, compounded intentionally through harmful actions aimed at worsening their plight.

He mentioned that the AES is still awaiting a response from the UN Security Council, to which it made an appeal last August and anticipates “strong decisions” in return.

He extended his country’s support for UN Security Council reform to encompass Africa.

“That will allow us to affirm the universal nature of the UN and address the ongoing injustice faced by Africa,” he concluded.

Additional sources • AP