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Burkina Faso FM addresses general debate at 81st UN General Assembly
Minister of Foreign Affaris of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré addresses general debate at 81st UNGA Session.
Minister of Foreign Affaris of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré addresses general debate at 81st UNGA Session.
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00:08We are going live to the UN headquarters. The representative, the foreign minister of
00:12Burkina Faso is addressing the General Assembly. Let's listen.
00:15Excellence, Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
00:23It's a real honor to bring from this rostrum the voices of their Excellencies,
00:29Comrade Captain Ibrahim Traore, President of Faso, Head of State and President of the
00:35Confederation of Sahel States. Army General Assimi Goita, President of the Transition,
00:42Head of State of the Republic of Mali. And Army General Abdurahmani Tiani, President of the
00:52Republic of Niger, Head of State.
00:58On their behalf, the Confederation of Sahel States extends to you, Mr. President, their
01:06heartfelt congratulations upon your election to preside over the 81st Session of the UN
01:12General Assembly. We also extend our wishes of success to you in your term and fully align
01:22with the pride of the kindred people of Bangladesh. To Her Excellency, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, we
01:30reiterate our positive appreciation of the way she conducted the work of the 80th Session.
01:35President, it is with my heart full of the memory of thousands of children, women and men
01:42from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, innocent victims of terrorism, that I am taking the floor
01:47people here this morning. But it is also with a sense of pride inspired by the resilience
01:53of the populations of the Sahel and the hope of the bravery of the defense and security forces
02:02of the Confederation, as well as the crucial role played by volunteers for the defense of
02:08the homeland, that I am speaking here and having the noble mission of delivering this statement.
02:15I also wish to pay tribute to the families in mourning, to the long suffering communities
02:23and all of those whose lives have been affected by terrorist barbarism. For more than a decade,
02:28this blind and sustained violence has been sustained, armed, financed and instrumentalized by
02:35criminal networks and their supporters intent on subjugating the Sahel through fear. But they must understand that they will never
02:44succeed.
02:45I bow down with profound respect before the memory of the defense and security forces of the Confederation of Sahel
02:55States, our volunteers,
02:57defense volunteers, working for the motherland and all patriotic forces who have fallen in the field of honor. Evoking their
03:08memory, I spare a thought and pay tribute to Army General Sadio Camara, who was assassinated by the
03:15United States, murdered cowardly on the 24th of April 2026 and paid tribute to his commitment to peace and to
03:22Mali and the Sahel. The supreme sacrifice that our heroes have made is a seed of liberty of justice and
03:29sovereignty that our oppressed peoples aspire to. It is the source that nourishes our determination on a daily basis to
03:36recover the integrity of our territories, to defend our dignity and to ensure our sacred rights live free in peace
03:42and security.
03:43To the people of the Confederacy. To the people of the confederation of the States of Sahel, including its diaspora,
03:49I pay tribute and renew my pride in them.
03:57Courage, resilience, commitment and mobilization, as they are showing each and every day supporting the efforts of the heads of
04:05state of the AES confederation remain the center of gravity of our journey towards sovereignty and stability and development.
04:15To all of the peoples of Africa and the world who share our struggle and who recognize themselves and the
04:22ideals of peace, dignity and liberty that the confederation represents, I reiterate my gratitude.
04:29Mr. President, the confederal dynamic that has been engaged in and taken up by our states, far from being an
04:41act in isolation, brings forward the rejection of fatality and chronic wardship that we face, as well as the reject
04:50of selective criticism when we see human tragedies.
04:56It's the sign of a shared willingness of our states to escape the vicious cycle of structural domination and exploitation
05:05that are profoundly rooted in the colonial and neo-colonialist legacies.
05:09In it, it carries the hope of a renaissance of the central Sahel that for too long has been devalued
05:21and disregarded.
05:22The new course embarked on since the 16th of September 2023 by adopting the charter of Lipta Koguma, consolidated by
05:31the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States on the 6th of July 2024, ushered in a new era for
05:38the people of the AES.
05:40Yes, and each area of land recovered, each terrorist base destroyed, each battle won over the forces of evil, each
05:48school recovered, each village rebuilt, each reform initiated,
05:52brings us closer to this new horizon defended with determination by Comrade Captain Ibrahim Trawe, Army General Asimi Goita and
06:05General Abdul-Harmani Tiani.
06:08Under their enlightened leadership against the winds and the tides, the Alliance of Sahel States is consolidating itself every day,
06:19taking charge of its own destiny, a destiny of dignity, prosperity and freedom and justice.
06:26And this is affirmed thanks to the mobilisation of the people over a common space with a shared destiny, one
06:32people, one space, one destiny.
06:34This motto guides each and every one of our actions and is embodied by the operationalisation of the unified force
06:41of the Confederation
06:42and is also embodied by the creation of the Confederal Bank Investment Bank and Development Bank
06:49and is embodied by the consolidation of relations between all of the different institutions of the countries of the AES
06:54as well as strengthening the historic centuries-long links between the communities and the vital forces of our space.
07:03Finally, this motto is part of diplomatic cohesion between three states, shown by this speech made on behalf of the
07:18states of the AES Confederation,
07:21on behalf of the peoples of the Confederation and on behalf of the diaspora of the Confederation.
07:28Mr. President, the Alliance of Sahel States welcomes the theme of this session of the General Assembly,
07:35Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation, A United Nations That Delivers For All.
07:42Now, this theme is an undeniable admission.
07:46It's an admission of an erosion of trust between the members of the organisation, double standards, biased positions,
07:57institutionalised injustice and the instrumentalisation of institutions and procedures and its admission that our organisation is struggling to adapt to
08:06the changes,
08:08the huge changes that we're seeing of a world in constant evolution and an admission that our organisation unfortunately is
08:16no longer there for everyone
08:18but belongs more and more to actors chosen according to their power and their vested interests.
08:25The promises of hope enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which extol peace, are disregarded.
08:30International law is being martyred and tortured by members whose propensity for domination, neocolonialism and hegemony is all too evidence.
08:39Yes, we need to rebuild trust. It's an ambition that we all share, but this suggests that our organisation has
08:47to stop being the microphone
08:51or an organisation that upholds some powerful actors in order to become the common house of all of the peoples,
09:01equal in dignity, equal in rights and equal in sovereignty.
09:04It's in light of this and what's taking place in the Sahel that we are taking part in these deliberations.
09:11For the Confederation, rebuilding trust must go hand in hand with the immediate interest of dealing with state support for
09:22terrorists
09:22because terrorism must not continue to be a tool of foreign policy on the part of certain powers.
09:29The Confederation of Sahel States does not just face a simple sum of isolated terrorist groups.
09:38We face a persistent enterprise of destabilisation supported by considerable means
09:44and focused against the right of our people to live in peace, to choose their leaders and to have control
09:51over their resources
09:52and fully exercise their sovereignty.
09:54The terrorist attacks in particular, the ones perpetrated on the 25th of April and 4th of July in 2026 in
10:01the Republic of Mali,
10:02on the 18th of June and the 29th and 30th of August 2026 in the Republic of Niger, fully illustrate
10:09this phenomenon.
10:10And let us call a spade a spade and say things clearly.
10:14The supply chains, the technical capacities and coordinated use of conventional means do not come out of nowhere.
10:23Behind the murderous acts of these terrorists, there are structured support, including state support.
10:33And we call on the international community to look at this clearly, to investigate seriously and to condemn,
10:44without any geopolitical calculations, all actors that finance, arm, provide intelligence to and protect terrorists.
10:52Silence in the face of such actions is not prudence, but complicity.
11:00Mr. President's rebuilding trust must also go hand in hand with the strict respect for the sovereignty of states.
11:06It must go hand in hand with the development of partnerships and not servitude.
11:13And go hand in hand with justice over outdated neocolonious principles.
11:21Anything that goes against the instrumentalisation of certain international defence mechanisms to defend human rights,
11:31to put political pressure on our countries, like what the European Parliament did to justify a potential neocolonial offensive
11:42through resolutions, misfounded resolutions against the Sahel, all of this is unacceptable.
11:47Mr. President, confidence will not be reborn in an organisation that, where some actors tolerate arbitrary behaviour
12:00and the promotion and protection of fundamental rights for our states is an absolute responsibility.
12:08And we are engaging in this in a context of extreme violence imposed against our populations by terrorists
12:14when our states adopt exceptional measures, as strictly contained by our national legislation and our international obligations.
12:22The idea is to protect the population, to preserve public order and guarantee national security.
12:27The most important human right is the right to life, the right of a people to not live under terror.
12:36We see that these measures are often subject to selective, biased lectures from others without sufficient consideration for the realities
12:45on the grounds.
12:46The Confederation reaffirms its commitments to impartial, objective and non-selective treatment of human rights.
12:52We call for dialogue based on mutual respect, good faith and factual rigour.
12:58We accept impartial and objective reviews, but we do reject political processes and being tried in the Court of Political
13:10Appeal.
13:13Yes, to respect the law, but we reject its instrumentalisation.
13:18This is precisely due to these grave shortfalls, persistent selectivity and manifest politicisation that our states made a sovereign decision
13:35to withdraw from the International Criminal Court
13:37and formally notified our withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
13:41International justice, yes, however, variable justice, no.
13:47The Confederation remains committed to multilateral independent institutions that are impartial and credible.
13:54Mr. President, the Confederation of Sahel States is standing up against domination, exploitation and disregard.
14:01We adhere to the vision of a rehabilitated Africa with our dignity recovered, choosing our own path and freeing ourselves
14:12from the constraints of a bygone era to be the masters of our own destiny.
14:20In this regard, the Confederation of Sahel States welcomes the adoption in March 2026 by the General Assembly of the
14:28resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade of enslaved Africans
14:36and the system of racial servitude as the gravest crime against humanity.
14:50This is the forum to reiterate our warm congratulations to the high-level authorities of the Republic of Ghana and
14:57all of the Afro-descendant communities who brought this file to the United Nations
15:02for everyone to support it to make this decisive step forward towards justice.
15:06This historic recognition, which is part of a noble process, must open the way to truth, memory, reparation and real
15:15change in the international dynamics that we inherited from slavery and colonisation.
15:22It's also appropriate to welcome the recent adoption just three weeks ago on the 4th of September of Resolution A,
15:29ATL 104,
15:30seeking to give Africa its right size on the map.
15:44We also congratulate the high-level authorities of the Togolese Republic for bringing this forward with foresightedness
15:53and the advocacy that allowed this legitimate victory to succeed.
16:00We applaud them for that.
16:03Mr. President, in terms of international peace and security, our world remains up against multiplication of armed conflicts,
16:12the emergence of new crises and a return to the principle of might is right.
16:17Unilateral approaches, unlawful sanctions, selective interventions and double standards weakened the international order
16:25and put the multilateral system to test.
16:29The Confederation of Sahel States calls for an immediate end to violence against civilian populations,
16:35unhindered humanitarian access and a just and lasting political solution.
16:39The inability of the Security Council to prevent or resolve in a lasting way these crises reveals the limits of
16:44a system
16:45that too often protects the interests of powers to the detriment of human life.
16:50On the development file, the Confederation remains concerned over the aggravation of climate vulnerabilities,
16:57the multiplication of humanitarian crises, the malicious use of technology and ICTs for manipulation and destabilization.
17:06The conclusions of the high-level political forum of July 2026 confirm that the international community
17:12remains far away from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
17:16Four years before the 2030 deadline, we no longer have any time left to make nice statements.
17:23It's now time to act to provide equitable financing and achieve economic justice.
17:29In light of these challenges, collective, ambitious responses with solidarity are necessary.
17:35The Pat for the Future, the Compromissos de Sevilla, the Doha Programme of Action, the UNAT Initiative
17:41and the OASA Programme of Action for landlocked developing countries
17:45can contribute to making the multilateral system more effective, more inclusive and more focused on results
17:51as long as they do not just remain promises.
17:57Our priorities must be clearly defined, reducing the digital gap,
18:01strengthening climate resilience, investing in human capital, consolidating
18:08and strengthening educational health systems, supporting industrialization,
18:12ensuring the effective participation of youth and women in decision-making.
18:16International solidarity is necessary, however.
18:18The experience of the AES also shows that the mobilization of domestic resources
18:24as supporting trust, national solidarity and the participation of citizens
18:29is the best tool available for freeing up our economic potential.
18:35Mr. President, the Confederation of Sahel State supports the initiatives engaged in
18:40as part of the UNAT Initiative, convinced that our organization must
18:46undergo profound transformations in order to respond to contemporary challenges.
18:51However, reform should not be a pretext to further reduce the presence of the United Nations
18:56in different countries. It must be political, democratic and courageous
19:02in the way that it redistributes votes, responsibilities and powers.
19:09The reform of the Security Council is something that must not be delayed.
19:15It is necessary to strengthen transparency, accountability, put an end to double standards
19:20to adapt this body to geopolitical reality.
19:24The Confederation reaffirms its support for the Esselwini Consensus and the SITS Declaration.
19:30The credibility of the UN will depend on its ability to ensure that the Charter,
19:39international law and the sovereign equality of states are fully respected with the same rigour
19:43without distinction. In this regard, the Confederation reiterates our appeal
19:47to lift all unilateral coercive actions that are against international law, including the embargo imposed
19:54against the Republic of Cuba.
19:57Reform of global governments must also transform the international financial architecture,
20:02more equitable representation for developing countries and international financial institutions,
20:06fair treatment of debt, access to real financing for development,
20:13more equitable international trade and respect for national priorities.
20:17Mr. President, the AES Confederation remains resolutely committed to working alongside
20:22all member states of the United Nations to achieve a more just, equitable international order
20:28with more solidarity based on the dignity of peoples, sovereign equality of states,
20:32international justice and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
20:35However, our cooperation will never be a synonym of submission and our openness will never mean
20:45abandoning our own vital interests.
20:52It's only if these conditions are met that we will be able to restore confidence and trust between our nations
21:00to make our organisation credible again and to offer present and future generations a safer,
21:06more prosperous world that is more respectful of the aspirations of all peoples.
21:13President, Head of Delegation, ladies and gentlemen,
21:16in our national capacity, I wish to draw the attention of this august assembly to some thoughts,
21:23thoughts, some considerations on the situation in my country.
21:27Burkina Faso is engaged in a dynamic of deep-seated transformation,
21:34spearheaded by progressive popular revolution.
21:41At the time where we are beginning to commemorate our fourth anniversary,
21:48we must underscore the progress made in several areas in life in our country.
21:57On an economic level, the Kina Faso is resolutely pursuing its efforts to
22:05undertake structural transformations of our economy and to achieve developments that is based more
22:11on our own priorities and potentials.
22:15In synergy with other member states of the Confederation,
22:18our country is working to strengthen our productive capacities to
22:22harness our natural resources and to further promote
22:25local processing of raw materials.
22:29In agriculture and industry, particularly,
22:34significant presidential initiatives are being implemented to stimulate
22:37national production, to create jobs and to strengthen the participation of our populations
22:42in our economic activity.
22:44Under the leadership of Comrade Captain Ibrahim Traoré,
22:49President of Faso, Burkina Faso has made a choice to place the people at the heart of all
22:54and endeavours encouraging the creation of new production units and
23:01processing units by encouraging better use of our resources.
23:07And through these initiatives, with six great presidential initiatives,
23:12our economy is becoming more dynamic and progressively being strengthened.
23:16Our ambition is to strengthen the bases for local lasting and inclusive development
23:24while pursuing the deep-seated reform and renewal of our society and strengthening our economic
23:33sovereignty.
23:34This transformation also includes infrastructure.
23:38The RELAS 2026-2030 plan, in this regard, is a major framework to deliver this approach
23:47and to support the changes that are currently underway in our country.
23:52By relying first and foremost on our own forces and respecting the choice to
24:03exploit and process our resources locally, we intend to create more value within our economy
24:10and to ensure that the wealth of our country benefit our population as a priority.
24:14On a security level, Burkina Faso, in coordination with the countries of our Confederation,
24:20is pursuing efforts to re-establish peace, lasting peace, security, social cohesion and all of these
24:28across our country.
24:30More than 74% of our national territory is now under our control.
24:35Our Defence and Security Forces, as well as the volunteers for the defence of the homeland,
24:40are continuing their operations against terrorist groups and criminal gangs.
24:45These changes are being delivered specifically by winning back several villages and areas.
24:56There are progressive return of thousands of people to their places of residence,
25:01the reopening of tens of schools, as well as returning to normal activity in healthcare centres
25:11and progressive re-installation of the government.
25:16This progress continues to consolidate, and it's the result of efforts and sacrifices made by our people,
25:22as well as the commitment of all actors to re-establish peace and security.
25:25Mr. President, in the Middle East, we remain particularly concerned over the situation faced by the
25:30Palestinian people and the suffering endured by the civilian population in Gaza.
25:35In the face of this tragedy, Burkina Faso reaffirms its commitment to a lasting political solution
25:41based on coexistence between two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security
25:46in line with international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations.
25:50Burkina Faso also remains concerned by the consequence of unilateral coercive measures
25:55imposed against certain states, like Cuba and Nicaragua, and the repercussions of these
25:59have a terrible effect on the populations.
26:03We call, therefore, for prioritising dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect between these states.
26:07On the question of Western Sahara, Burkina Faso, true to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter,
26:14reaffirms its commitment to the political process led under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General
26:21and based on the autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco.
26:26We encourage the continuation of efforts to reach a negotiated political solution between the parties
26:33pursuant to relevant resolutions of the Security Council.
26:38We, furthermore, reaffirm our commitment to the One China Principle.
26:42President, through these different considerations, Burkina Faso wishes to reaffirm an essential conviction.
26:50That is that our organisation will never be able to fully respond to the challenges of our time
26:57unless it remains true to the principles that led to its founding, the principles in force when the organisation was
27:07created.
27:07We remain convinced that through dialogue, solidarity and determination,
27:13the United Nations, together with our people, will be able to overcome the challenges that we face
27:18and to build the foundations for a future of peace, dignity and shared prosperity.
27:23One people, one space, one destiny.
27:26Long live the Confederation of Sahel States.
27:29Standing strong.
27:31Long live Sahel.
27:33Long live United Africa.
27:37Motherland or death.
27:39We will prevail.
27:44Well, we're listening to the statements of the Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso addressing the General Assembly,
27:50the general debate in the 81st period of session.
27:53It was referring to the importance of having a wider representation of African countries in the United Nations system,
28:00turning it to the point of that the United Nations needs an immediate reform
28:04to be able to be more representative, more equitable and to be more just,
28:09to be able to face the current challenges of the world.
28:11It was a call on the reform of the UN Security Council as well in the same line.
28:16It also was making reference to all the work that's being carried out with the Alliance of Sahel States
28:20in the fight against terrorism between Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
28:25These were roughly some of the topics on the address of the Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso.
28:31We'll have more updates, everything happening in the general debate in its last day this Monday.
28:36Stay with Telesur English.