Burkina Faso has expelled United Nations regional coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak, declaring her persona non grata in response to a UN report that accuses the West African nation of committing violations against children in armed conflict.
- Burkina Faso has expelled UN regional coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak, labeling her persona non grata.
- The expulsion follows a UN report accusing Burkina Faso of child rights violations in armed conflict.
- The UN expressed regret over the decision, concerned about its impact on humanitarian efforts in the country.
The government, which denounced the findings, said it was neither consulted during the preparation of the report nor informed of its conclusions prior to publication.
The decision, announced Monday by a government spokesperson, underscores rising tensions between Burkina Faso’s military-led authorities and international organizations over allegations of human rights abuses.
The disputed report, titled “Children and Armed Conflict in Burkina Faso,” details alleged violations linked to the country’s ongoing battle against insurgent groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Authorities in Ouagadougou rejected the document as one-sided and politically motivated, stressing that they were excluded from both the drafting process and the review of its conclusions.
The government insisted that its forces remain committed to protecting civilians, including children, even as the country grapples with escalating violence from jihadist insurgencies that have displaced millions and disrupted social services.
By expelling Flore-Smereczniak, Burkina Faso has signaled its deep displeasure with the UN’s handling of the report and its broader concern that international institutions may be undermining national sovereignty.
The move comes amid a broader trend in the Sahel, where governments led by military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have increasingly distanced themselves from Western and international organizations, often accusing them of bias and interference in domestic affairs.
UN refutes allegations
The United Nations has expressed regret over Burkina Faso’s decision, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.
“The Organization is accorded privileges and immunities, including the right for its staff members to remain in Burkina Faso in order to perform their functions on behalf of the Organization,” he said.
The expelled U.N. official, Flore-Smereczniak, was forced to leave the country despite having more than 20 years of experience in development, security, humanitarian, conflict, and post-conflict settings. She was appointed to the post in Burkina Faso just last year, according to the United Nations.
Rights advocates warn that the decision could further strain humanitarian operations in a country where nearly half the population relies on aid, and where children face heightened risks from conflict, forced recruitment, and widespread school closures.
