Keypoints
- UN coordinator declared ‘persona non grata’ over a report accusing Burkina Faso of child rights violations
- Government rejects the report as unfounded and claims lack of involvement
- UN expresses regret, emphasises its commitment and immunity protections for staff
BURKINA Faso has expelled United Nations regional coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak after rejecting a UN report that accused the country of violating children’s rights, a government spokesman announced on Monday.
The spokesman said Burkinabe authorities had no role in preparing the Children and Armed Conflict in Burkina Faso study and were not consulted before its publication
Government slams report as baseless
The statement accused the UN of making unfounded claims, lacking any substantiating investigations or legal proof. It dismissed the report’s findings as falsehoods distorting the country’s situation.
UN expresses regret, affirms commitment
Responding through spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the UN regretted the expulsion and noted that its personnel enjoy privileges and immunities permitting them to remain in host countries. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to continuing its support and cooperation with the people of Burkina Faso.
Continued conflict amid shifting alliances
This development unfolds against a backdrop of escalating violence in the Sahel, where Burkina Faso and its neighbours face a decade‑long insurgency, and where military juntas have replaced elected governments since 2020–2023. Amid worsening instability, the country has moved away from Western military support and instead sought alliances with Russian mercenaries.
