The government of Burkina Faso has called for a reassessment of how United Nations agencies operate in the country, seeking closer alignment between international programmes and national development goals.
In an official letter sent to the UN representation on 30 July 2025, authorities requested a joint evaluation to determine the relevance and effectiveness of ongoing initiatives.
The correspondence cited several points of contention, including the recruitment of international consultants without prior involvement of national institutions, the limited opportunities given to local professionals compared with foreign workers, and a recurring trend where positions held by Burkinabè staff are among the first to be cut during budget-related downsizing.
Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré emphasised the need for UN programmes to be more closely coordinated with the development strategy outlined by President Ibrahim Traoré.
“The goal is to ensure that international projects support national priorities rather than shape them,” he stated.
The government’s stance reflects a broader push within West Africa to assert greater sovereignty over domestic policymaking. Several nations in the region have taken steps to reconfigure partnerships with international bodies to better integrate local expertise and resources.
In the case of Burkina Faso, the proposed redefinition of relations with the UN could lead to revised cooperation frameworks, ensuring that projects funded by the international community more effectively serve the country’s development agenda. The government argues that a stronger role for national professionals would not only enhance efficiency but also build sustainable capacity within the country.
This move underscores Ouagadougou’s determination to position itself as an equal partner in global development efforts, insisting that external assistance must adapt to the local context and long-term aspirations of the Burkinabè people.
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