IASC Press release, Deputy Heads of Humanitarian Aid conclude visit to Burkina Faso and call for more support to strengthen the humanitarian response and promote solutions
Ouagadougou, 30 November 2023 – An IASC delegation has just concluded a three-day official visit to Burkina Faso to listen to the needs of people affected by the crisis, strengthen partnerships with authorities and partners for more effective humanitarian action, and promote sustainable solutions to the crisis.
The delegation, led by Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); Mr. Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Operations, World Food Programme (WFP); and Ms. Mirela Shuteriqi, Director of Policy of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), a global NGO network, met and exchanged views with senior government officials, member states, donors, the humanitarian community, civil society organizations and affected communities.
In a meeting with ministers responsible for foreign affairs, defence, humanitarian affairs, economy and finance, territorial administration and security, as well as other senior Government officials, the delegation discussed options to promote solutions to the crisis in Burkina Faso, support community resilience, and continue to work together to make the humanitarian response as effective as possible.
“We came to Burkina Faso to listen and learn about the crisis here and to see how we can all work together not only to provide life-saving assistance to people who need it, but to help promote solutions and align with development objectives,” said Joyce Msuya after the meeting.
“Throughout our trip, we’ve had open, constructive and inspiring discussions with affected people, Burkinabè organizations, Burkinabè officials, humanitarian partners and the diplomatic community. We’re leaving committed to do whatever we can to support humanitarian partners here who are delivering assistance despite challenges, as well as to work with the wider international community to raise the profile of this crisis and promote solutions,” she added.
The delegation also visited the crisis-hit commune of Titao, which is accessible only by air due to insecurity, as well as Ouahigouya, the regional seat of Nord Region. In Titao – which hosts 42,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in addition to its pre-crisis population of 62,000 – they visited a food distribution site and met affected people and local authorities. In Ouahigouya, they met local authorities and partners and visited a site outside the town where affected people – IDPs and hosts working together – receive support to promote livelihoods and strengthen resilience.
“I am in awe of the determination and resilience of the crisis-affected families we have met here in Burkina Faso,” said Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme. “WFP, together with the wider humanitarian community, remains wholly committed to achieve durable solutions to the challenges the country faces, support government plans and strategies, and ensure that all actors work together towards sustainable food security in the country. We can reach this goal if we join efforts to ensure a conducive environment for an effective response to the growing needs, and in support to national efforts” Skau added.
The delegation praised the resilience of both the affected communities and the humanitarian organizations resolutely committed to alleviating people's suffering with emergency assistance.
“The challenges are there,” said Mirela Shuteriqi from ICVA, “but there is great work being done by the entire humanitarian community. I saw the strength of the collaboration between national and international NGOs under the umbrella of [national NGO network] SPONG, enhancing the role of the humanitarian country team and contributing to improving the lives of the people in Burkina. I was also sincerely touched by how host and internally displaced communities stand shoulder to shoulder in face of adversity.”
Since 2019, Burkina Faso has been the epicentre of the security and humanitarian crisis affecting the Sahel region. The crisis has exacerbated the effects of climatic shocks, and one person in 10, or more than 2 million people, are internally displaced in Burkina Faso as of 31 March 2023.
As of 29 November, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan for Burkina Faso had received only 34 per cent of its requirements – or just under $300 million.
For further information, please contact:
IASC Correspondence: iasccorrespondence@un.org
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