KARAMOKO JEAN MARIE TRAORE, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, echoing the aspirations of the Sahelian society, underscored the need “to give life to our speeches through tangible actions”.  He stated:  “We must go beyond words to finally take action to usher in a fairer world, free from prejudices and stereotypes, which seek to treat certain people or certain parts of the planet as second class, condemned to wait in the prisons of isolation.”  He rejected the reality, in which some countries are “at the mercy and whim” of Powers, which claim to be the only ones able to indicate the path that others must follow.  He stressed the need to “refocus our efforts” and promote the well-being of populations and peoples by ensuring peace and security.

On the disastrous state of today’s world, he said that the reputation of multilateralism has been muted by the predatory actions of certain Member States.  Calling for inclusive global governance and initiatives that will lead to shared prosperity, he said that remodelling political, administrative, economic and financial governance is pivotal.  The people of Burkina Faso have decided to affirm their sovereignty, he said, noting their “significant success” in the fight against terrorism.  The country has implemented visionary reforms marked by increased troops’ operational capabilities and reorganization of its fighting forces on the ground.  As a result, nearly 70 per cent of Burkina Faso’s territory is now under State control compared to 40 per cent in 2022.  This has enabled the resettlement of displaced populations and the reopening of schools.  In less than two years, the reconquest actions have enabled over 700,000 people to return to their villages and nearly 1,500 schools to reopen their classes.

He further stressed that Burkina Faso is the victim of a defamation and smear campaign against its soldiers, who are accused of violating human rights without “the slightest smidge of evidence”.  This propaganda aims to lower the morale of Burkina Faso’s compatriots and sabotage their legitimate struggle, he added. Spotlighting the “paradoxical attitude” demonstrated by Ukraine, he said that the country has confirmed its involvement in the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of the Malian defence and security forces in Mali in July 2023.  Ukraine has confessed that it supports international terrorism — particularly in the Sahel — shining a light on the subversive activities it launches there. Against this backdrop, he recalled that on 16 September 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger decided to create the alliance of Sahel States.  “This is a military alliance for collective defence and mutual assistance to combat terrorism across our territory,” he asserted.