At the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, representing President Ibrahim Traoré, delivered a sharp critique of the UN’s record since its founding. He said the organization’s 80 years have been “marked by missed opportunities, politicized decisions, and ineffective peacekeeping,” while Africa still lacks permanent representation on the Security Council.
Ouédraogo accused foreign powers of fueling terrorism in Africa as a tool to plunder natural resources. He noted that since 2023, ordinary Burkinabe citizens have contributed more than 413 billion CFA francs (around $670 million) to bolster the military, enabling the state to reclaim over 72% of national territory from armed groups.
The prime minister praised Burkina Faso’s defense forces and volunteer fighters, stressing that “sovereign priorities are non-negotiable.” He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Sahel States Confederation (AES) with Mali and Niger, calling it a path toward dignity, independence, and African unity—not isolation. Invoking the legacy of Pan-African icons like Thomas Sankara and Patrice Lumumba, Ouédraogo urged bold reforms of the UN Security Council to guarantee permanent African seats. He also expressed solidarity with nations resisting foreign interference, framing Burkina Faso’s struggle as part of a wider fight for global justice.
