UN chief condemns abduction of 50 women in Burkina Faso

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Tuesday, vehemently denounced the kidnapping of approximately 50 women and girls in the vicinity of Arbinda, in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso, allegedly by unidentified armed factions.

As per the government’s account, Islamist insurgents abducted around 50 women who were foraging for sustenance in Burkina Faso’s northern province of Soum, a hotspot for jihadist activities.

The women were seized in distinct occurrences on Thursday and Friday while they were gathering food, in the latest assault on civilians by suspected Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-affiliated extremists.

Guterres, in a declaration by his Deputy Spokesman, Farhan Haq, demanded the prompt and unconditional release of the kidnapped women and girls, urging for their safe return to their families.

Haq noted that the secretary-general encouraged Burkinabé authorities to exhaust all efforts in holding those accountable for this offense to justice.

“The secretary-general reaffirms the United Nations’ dedication to persist in collaborating with Burkina Faso and global partners to improve the protection of civilians.

“He also reiterates the UN’s commitment to working with the nation in addressing humanitarian and developmental challenges while promoting and safeguarding human rights and supporting initiatives for enduring peace,” he stated.

Moreover, Haq, at a press briefing in New York, remarked that Burkina Faso continues to face a multifaceted crisis, emphasizing that insecurity is escalating and nearly one-fifth of the population requires immediate humanitarian assistance.

“The volume of security incidents rose by 220 percent in 2022 compared to the preceding year. The severity of conflicts remains higher than in any other Sahelian nation. As of the conclusion of December last year, 1.3 million individuals are in inaccessible regions.

“1.7 million individuals are displaced, which equates to one in 12 Burkinabé. The nation experienced one of the fastest-growing displacement crises globally in 2022.

“The ongoing conflict and persistent vulnerability to droughts and floods have rendered 2.6 million individuals severely food insecure, with this number projected to escalate to 3.5 million during the 2023 lean season,” he mentioned.

According to him, between April and June 2022, at least 400 incidents related to violations of human rights, International Humanitarian Law, and refugee law have been reported.

“At least 649 individuals have lost their lives, with 39 percent of the victims being children.

“Burkina Faso’s 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan was funded at only 38 percent (US$309 million raised out of US$805 million required).

“The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plans necessitate US$866 million to meet the needs of three million people.” (NAN)