UN to close its human rights office in Burkina Faso

The United Nations announced Thursday it would close its human rights office in Burkina Faso, saying the authorities' indefinite suspension of its operations meant it could not carry out its duties.

The decision comes three months after military-ruled Burkina Faso suspended the office's work over a press release which had called on the west African nation to uphold civic space.

The UN Human Rights Office's branch in the country is set to close by November 30.

Junta chief captain Ibrahim Traore, 38, has pursued anti-Western policies since seizing power in a coup in September 2022, while critical voices are met with repression.

"I deeply regret the Burkinabe authorities' decision indefinitely suspending our in-country operations, and that intensive engagement with the authorities since has not resolved the matter," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.

"This has directly affected our ability to implement our mandate and ultimately necessitated my decision to wind down the country presence."

The office was set up in October 2021 and had conducted human rights monitoring and documentation and had advocated for respect for human rights.

It had also trained nearly 4,000 members of the defence and security forces on international human rights law and humanitarian law, the statement said.

"Despite the closure, my office and I remain committed to continue supporting and cooperating with the government, national institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders, to keep promoting and protecting human rights in Burkina Faso," said Turk.

Violence-ravaged Sahel

The press release that seemingly upset the Burkinabe authorities was issued on February 5.

In it, Turk called on the government to end all forms of repression of civic space, and to overturn its intention to prohibit all political parties.

"Real civic and democratic space, allowing pluralistic voices of political parties and organisations, and strengthened rule of law are essential for lasting peace, security and social cohesion in Burkina Faso," he said.

The UN high commissioner for human rights last month said west Africa's violence-wracked Sahel region, where military rulers are battling jihadist insurgencies, was at a "dangerous tipping point".

Turk voiced concern about the actions of authorities and security forces in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, where juntas seized power in coups between 2020 and 2023.

They have made sovereignty and the fight against jihadists their priority after years of deadly attacks by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

The three countries have forged closer ties with Russia and have moved away from the former colonial power France.

Burkina Faso's ruling junta on Friday severed diplomatic ties with France, accusing Paris of persistently acting against its interests.