Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim in Burkina Faso on the recent violence in Séguénéga, Nord region
Statement by Alain Akpadji, Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim
(Ouagadougou, 24 May 2024) The humanitarian community is deeply saddened by reports that civilians have been affected following an attack on a displacement site in Goubré in Séguénéga commune (Nord region), on 22 May. Among them was a humanitarian worker who lost her life.
We are deeply saddened by the news of the incident, which we deplore. On behalf of the entire humanitarian community in Burkina Faso, I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families.
This incident comes as Burkina Faso faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with more than 2 million displaced people registered as of 31 March 2023 by the National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation (CONASUR). National and international NGOs and UN agencies, in support of the State’s humanitarian response, are providing food, shelter, water, sanitation and protection services to the most vulnerable populations, including women and children. Humanitarians are also helping to improve the quality of education and support healthcare systems.
We strongly urge that priority be given to the protection of civilians and the adherence to international law and humanitarian principles. Civilians, humanitarian workers and assets are not a target.
Despite constraints, humanitarian partners remain committed to providing the necessary assistance and support to crisis-affected communities across the country.