Switzerland’s official candidate for the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Christine Schraner Burgener, has requested Burkina Faso’s support in the upcoming election, as the two nations found common ground on pressing humanitarian challenges.
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Swiss diplomat was received in audience by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabè Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré. During the meeting, the two officials discussed the humanitarian crisis unfolding across the Sahel, particularly the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Burkina Faso.
The Swiss envoy emphasized the importance of solidarity and long-term collaboration among UN member states. “In this difficult security context, we must stand with affected states and work together to find lasting solutions,” she stated.
Minister Traoré welcomed the Swiss candidate’s outreach, praising her visit as a strong diplomatic gesture. He stressed the urgent need to reconsider the narrative around refugees and displaced people. “We must shift the focus from viewing these populations solely as a burden, and instead recognize and harness their potential,” he said.
Burgener responded in agreement, affirming that sustainable refugee solutions begin by empowering displaced populations and ensuring they are seen as agents of development rather than passive beneficiaries of aid.
Prior to her official meetings in Ouagadougou, Burgener traveled to Kaya in northern Burkina Faso, where she visited displacement sites to witness firsthand the conditions faced by communities uprooted by violence and instability.
Minister Traoré expressed his appreciation for Burgener’s commitment to tailoring humanitarian approaches to the specific realities of each country.
He also voiced hope that, if elected, the next UN High Commissioner would prioritize internal displacement challenges across the Sahel region and elevate the concerns of the confederation of Sahel states.
He concluded by congratulating Burgener on her candidacy and wishing her success in the UNHCR leadership race.
About The Author
