The Foreign Affairs Minister of Burkina Faso, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, accompanied by the Deputy Minister Camarade Bêbgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabre/Kabore, held a meeting on June 5, 2026, with the newly appointed head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Anselme Siméon Sanou. During the discussions, the UNODC representative outlined the key priorities of his mandate and sought the Foreign Ministry’s support in implementing the agency’s programs and initiatives.

The UNODC’s identified priorities include combating organized crime, drug trafficking and consumption, arms trafficking, and terrorism, aligning closely with Burkina Faso’s national security objectives.

Dr. Sanou emphasized the UNODC’s commitment to supporting Burkina Faso’s efforts in addressing these challenges. In response, Minister Traoré congratulated the newly appointed UNODC chief, highlighting the importance of a leader deeply familiar with the local context to enhance operational effectiveness.

The Foreign Minister also encouraged collaboration between the UNODC and both volunteer organizations and institutional actors. He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to work alongside the UNODC in tackling security and peacekeeping challenges across the country.