Burkina Faso UN Delegates Engage Citizens in US on Security Challenges Back Home

Bridging the Gap Across Oceans

As part of their participation in the United Nations General Assembly, the Burkinabe delegation, led by Minister of State Bassolma Bazié and accompanied by Her Excellency Olivia Rouamba, the head of Burkinabe diplomacy, convened a face-to-face and virtual meeting with the Burkinabe community residing in the United States on September 25. This interaction served as a platform for direct dialogues about the challenges faced by Burkinabe expatriates in the USA and the state of affairs in their homeland.

Discussing National Priorities

Minister of State Bassolma Bazié and Minister Olivia Rouamba offered insights into Burkina Faso’s current security and humanitarian conditions, as well as the ongoing efforts to address these issues and the challenges confronting the population. Minister Bazié highlighted the four primary pillars of the transition: combating insecurity and reclaiming territory, addressing the humanitarian crisis, revitalizing the state, and achieving national reconciliation. He called upon every Burkinabe to contribute towards achieving these objectives, emphasizing the need for collective effort.

Strengthening Diaspora Involvement

Minister Rouamba stressed the importance of diversifying partners in the fight against insecurity and highlighted that contributions to counter-terrorism efforts extend beyond financial support, encompassing expertise wherever it is needed. The initiative to directly engage with the Burkinabe diaspora was well-received, with the community expressing their recommendations to the Transitional authorities. These suggestions revolved around creating favorable investment conditions, improving consular services, facilitating the return of diaspora members, safeguarding the rights of Burkinabe abroad, and intensifying the fight against corruption in crucial sectors. In response, the Burkinabe ministers acknowledged the sacrifices made by the diaspora in the pursuit of peace and pledged their commitment to supporting their endeavors in Burkina Faso.