On September 28, 2026, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He delivered the official statement of Burkina Faso on behalf of President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who is also the President of the Sahel States' Confederation. Traoré's speech emphasized the country's progress in security, its rejection of foreign interference, and its commitment to sovereignty through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Traoré began his speech by extending a fraternal greeting from the Burkinabè people, highlighting their resilience in the face of aggression and destabilization attempts. He presented Burkina Faso as a country with capabilities, dynamics of reconquest, and potential, rather than focusing on victimhood. The minister reported significant progress in the country's internal security situation under the leadership of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (MPSR 2).
According to Traoré, the combined efforts of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) have led to 74% of the national territory being under effective state control, up from 40% in 2022. This progress has resulted in the reopening of thousands of schools, the gradual resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the reimplantation of basic social services in several areas.
Traoré strongly denounced double standards and foreign interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states on the international stage. He emphasized that Burkina Faso advocates for an equitable multilateralism that respects the dignity of peoples and is free from geopolitical diktats. The minister criticized the passivity of certain international bodies in the face of transborder terrorism and disinformation campaigns targeting the Sahel region.
The Burkinabè minister recalled the founding principles of the AES, which include autodetermination, mutual defense, and endogenous development, alongside Mali and Niger. He reaffirmed that this alliance responds to a deep aspiration for sovereignty and development, and that Burkina Faso has made an irreversible commitment to building real sovereignty.
Traoré's speech was marked by a firm and sovereign tone, emphasizing the country's achievements and its determination to defend its sovereignty. He called for a refounding of multilateralism to make it more equitable and respectful of national dignities. The minister's statement was well-received by the international community, which is closely following developments in the Sahel region.
The Burkinabè government's commitment to sovereignty and development was reinforced by Traoré's address to the UN General Assembly. The country's progress in security and its efforts to build a more equitable international order were highlighted as key aspects of its foreign policy. The statement also underscored the importance of the AES in promoting regional cooperation and development.
Key points
- Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré delivered Burkina Faso's statement at the 81st UN General Assembly, reaffirming the country's sovereignty and denouncing foreign interference.
- Burkina Faso has made significant progress in its internal security situation, with 74% of the national territory now under effective state control.
- The country is committed to building real sovereignty through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and promoting a more equitable multilateralism.
