Niger, Burkina Faso call for immediate cease-fire in Lebanon

By Oumar Sankare

BAMAKO, Mali (AA) - Burkina Faso and Niger top diplomats took stand on Monday at the UN General Assembly's 79th session, demanding cease-fire in Lebanon.

The diplomats welcomed the participation of Palestine in this session, emphasizing its significance. Bakary Yaou Sangare, Niger's Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed hope that it marks a step toward “the advent of a free, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state, living in peace with its neighbors and within its 1967 borders.”

Niger and Burkina Faso reaffirm their support to the Palestinian cause and believe only a two-state solution could end the cycle of violence and guarantee peace and security in the region.

The Niger minister and Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Burkina Faso’s minister of foreign affairs, also deplore the situation in Lebanon and calls for an immediate end to hostilities.

Concerning the fight against terrorism in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger), the diplomat from Burkina Faso deplores a vast and virulent campaign of denigration and stigmatization against security forces whom they accuse of violating human rights without proof.

Burkina Faso top diplomat states “nearly 70% of the territory is now under state control compared to 40% in 2022”.

This has enabled the resettlement of displaced populations and the reopening of schools.

In less than two years, the reconquest actions have enabled more than 700,000 people to return to their villages, and nearly 1,500 schools to reopen, he added.

Bakary Yaou Sangare deplores subversive actions and the new recolonization strategy claimed and assumed by France.

He added “France informs, trains, finances and arms terrorist groups in the Sahel. It offers accommodation and meals to its local servants, some of whom occupy Niger's diplomatic holdings in Paris in flagrant violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations”.

Burkina Faso reiterates its support for the political process in course in Western Sahara, with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable and negotiated political solution.