Burkina Faso Expels Top UN Official Over Child Rights Report

Burkina Faso's military junta has expelled the United Nations' top official in the country, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, citing a controversial report on the impact of the ongoing jihadist conflict on children. Ms. Flore-Smereczniak, a Mauritian national, was declared "persona non grata" due to her role in the drafting of the report, which detailed alleged abuses against children by various actors, including government forces.

Report Details Alleged Abuses

The UN report, released in March, covered a two-year period and documented over 2,000 cases of reported child recruitment, killings, sexual violence, and abuse. The report attributed these violations to Islamist insurgents, government soldiers, and civilian defense forces. The Burkinabè government vehemently denies the allegations, stating that it was not consulted during the report's drafting and that the claims are unfounded.

A government statement asserted that the report lacked supporting documentation or court rulings to substantiate the alleged violations against children attributed to Burkinabè fighters. This expulsion is the latest in a series of actions taken by the junta that raise concerns about the operating environment for international organizations and human rights monitors in the country.

Junta Claims Report Lacks Evidence

The military government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, seized power in September 2022, promising to address the deteriorating security situation. Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. The conflict has fueled political instability, marked by two military coups in 2022 alone.

Historical Context: A Nation in Crisis

Burkina Faso's current crisis is rooted in a complex interplay of factors, including poverty, weak governance, and the spillover of regional conflicts. The rise of jihadist groups in the Sahel region, particularly in neighboring Mali, has significantly impacted Burkina Faso's security landscape. The Burkinabè army, despite international support, has struggled to contain the insurgency, leading to widespread frustration and the eventual military takeover.

Previous Expulsion and UN Response

Ms. Flore-Smereczniak's expulsion follows a similar action in December 2022, when her predecessor, Italian national Barbara Manzi, was also declared "persona non grata." Ms. Manzi's expulsion was linked to a blog post she published highlighting the impact of the crisis on education and health services. The UN has yet to officially comment on Ms. Flore-Smereczniak's expulsion, but UN Secretary-General António Guterres previously expressed regret over Ms. Manzi's expulsion, reiterating the UN's commitment to engaging with the junta to support the Burkinabè people.

Expert Perspective: Implications for Humanitarian Access

Dr. Comfort Ero, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group, notes that "this expulsion reflects a growing trend of Sahelian governments pushing back against perceived Western interference and asserting greater control over the narrative surrounding the conflict. This can have serious implications for humanitarian access and the ability of international organizations to effectively monitor and address human rights violations."

Dr. Ero further adds, "It is crucial for the UN to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Burkinabè authorities while also upholding its commitment to transparency and accountability. The protection of children in conflict zones must remain a paramount concern."

Junta's Actions and Growing Concerns

There have been growing concerns about the effectiveness of Captain Traoré's approach to combating the militants. The junta has rejected assistance from France, the former colonial power, and has instead sought closer ties with Russia. Reports indicate that jihadist group JNIM claimed to have carried out over 280 attacks in Burkina Faso in the first half of 2025, doubling the number from the same period in 2024, according to data verified by the BBC.

Human rights organizations have also accused the Burkinabè army of targeting civilians, suppressing political activity, and restricting freedom of expression. Last year, the military government extended its rule for another five years and indicated that Captain Traoré would be eligible to run for president in 2029.

Looking Ahead: A Fragile Future

The expulsion of the UN official underscores the challenges facing Burkina Faso as it navigates a complex security and political landscape. The junta's actions raise questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability, as well as its willingness to cooperate with international organizations in addressing the humanitarian crisis. The future of Burkina Faso remains uncertain, with the ongoing conflict, political instability, and restrictions on civic space posing significant threats to the well-being of its citizens, particularly children.