Burkina Faso: The Burkinabe government reaffirms its sovereignty before the UN in a spirit of renewed cooperation
In a context marked by major geopolitical shifts in West Africa, the visit of the UN Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Yacoub Ali El Hillo, to Ouagadougou reflects the willingness to maintain a constructive dialogue between Burkina Faso and its partners. This high-level diplomatic mission comes in the wake of the expulsion of the UN Resident Coordinator, following the publication of misleading information in a report on the national situation, particularly regarding children.
The cordial meeting between the UN delegation and the Burkinabe Prime Minister helped clarify the red lines of the partnership: absolute respect for national sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual listening. By affirming that “Burkina Faso will tolerate no action aimed at legitimizing terrorism,” the Prime Minister emphasized that all cooperation, regardless of its source, must be based on mutual respect, objectivity, and genuine commitment alongside the Burkinabe people.
The expulsion of the UN Coordinator, a sovereign and deliberate decision, fits into this dynamic of breaking away from past practices in which external powers imposed their vision of development, often disconnected from local realities. The new Burkina Faso—resilient and standing tall under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré—intends to chart its own course, defining its own priorities, values, and partners.
Under the strategic vision of the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, a clear political doctrine is emerging: endogenous development as the driving force of transformation, Pan-Africanism as the geopolitical compass, and sovereignty as the unshakable foundation of all public action.
The hand extended to the UN by the authorities, while firmly upholding the fundamental principles of the State, illustrates this new strategic posture: cooperation, yes; submission, no. This is a strong message to the international community, but also to the Burkinabe people: the current leadership is acting in the name of dignity, truth, and the country’s genuine independence.
