Burkina junta expels UN official over report on child mistreatment

Category: News |
Nigeria TV Info — International News

Burkina Faso’s military-led government has declared the United Nations’ top representative in the country persona non grata, following the release of a UN report that accused Burkinabe forces of committing serious violations against children amid the ongoing battle against jihadist militants.

In a statement issued on Monday, the junta said it could no longer tolerate what it described as “biased and unfounded accusations,” ordering the resident UN coordinator to leave the country immediately.

The UN report, released late last week, detailed a number of alleged abuses carried out by Burkinabe security forces and affiliated fighters, including the recruitment and mistreatment of minors in areas affected by the conflict.

Since assuming power after a military coup, Burkina Faso’s authorities have tightened restrictions on international organisations and aid groups operating in the country, repeatedly accusing them of interference.

The announcement marks another escalation in tensions between the junta and the international community at a time when the Sahel nation continues to battle a deadly Islamist insurgency spreading across its northern and eastern regions.

In a brief response, the United Nations rejected Burkina Faso’s decision, stressing that its staff were working to support the country’s people and demanding that humanitarian actors be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or harassment.

The friction adds to growing concerns over the shrinking space for independent oversight and humanitarian activity in conflict‐affected areas of Burkina Faso.

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