Burkina Faso Declares UN Resident Coordinator Persona Non Grata Over Report That “Conflated Terrorists With Burkinabe Military”

The Government of Burkina Faso has declared Mrs. Carol Flore-Smereczniak, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in the country, persona non grata for her role in co-chairing the drafting of a UN report.

According to an official communiqué released on Monday, the Burkinabè authorities denounced the report as a “compilation of unfounded claims and distortions,” prepared without consultation with national institutions.

The government expressed indignation at what it described as “total disregard” for Burkinabè authorities, noting that they were neither associated with the report’s elaboration nor informed of its conclusions.

The controversial document, addressed to the UN Security Council, alleges violations against children in the context of the ongoing conflict in Burkina Faso. However, Ouagadougou criticised its narrative for citing “indiscriminately both terrorists and Burkinabè defence and security forces” and for lacking annexes, investigation reports, or judicial rulings to substantiate its claims.

The communiqué accused certain UN agencies of persistently using “ambiguous terminology” that risks legitimising or requalifying the acts of terrorism endured by the Burkinabè people for more than a decade. The government recalled that it had already issued an official clarification to UN representatives on March 25, 2025.

In light of what it considers grave misrepresentations and “false information,” the government concluded that Mrs. Flore-Smereczniak could no longer be regarded as a credible interlocutor in the framework of cooperation between Burkina Faso and the UN.

Despite this strong stance, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of the United Nations, emphasising its appreciation for the organisation’s contributions in addressing security and humanitarian challenges. It also reiterated its willingness to continue working with the UN “through representatives and country teams resolutely committed to true and sincere support.”

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