Burkina foreign minister meets unodc chief to strengthen security partnership

On Friday, 5 June 2026, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, together with Deputy Minister Camarade Bêbgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabre/Kabore, received the new head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Burkina Faso, Dr Anselme Siméon Sanou, for a working session. During the meeting, Dr Sanou outlined his mandate’s core priorities and sought the foreign ministry’s backing to successfully implement the UNODC’s various programmes and projects.

Dr Sanou highlighted that the UNODC’s identified priorities closely mirror the Burkinabe government’s key objectives, particularly in combating organised crime, drug trafficking and consumption, arms smuggling, and terrorism, among other challenges.

The UNODC bureau chief reaffirmed his organisation’s readiness and commitment to support the Burkinabe government’s efforts in these areas. In return, Minister Traoré congratulated his compatriot on his appointment as head of the UNODC in Burkina Faso.

According to Traoré, having a leader with on-the-ground knowledge and a deep understanding of the local context significantly boosts the effectiveness of interventions. He encouraged Dr Sanou to work closely with volunteer organisations and institutional stakeholders, while confirming his department’s willingness to collaborate with the UNODC to tackle the security and peace challenges facing Burkina Faso.