On Friday, June 5, 2026, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, alongside the Delegate Minister, Camarade Bêbgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabre/Kabore, met with the new head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Burkina Faso, Dr. Anselme Siméon Sanou. During the meeting, Dr. Sanou outlined his mandate priorities and requested the Foreign Affairs department’s support to successfully implement UNODC programs and projects.
Dr. Sanou noted that UNODC’s identified priorities align closely with the government’s key focus areas, including combating organized crime, drug trafficking and consumption, arms smuggling, and terrorism, among others.
During the discussions, the UNODC bureau chief reaffirmed the organization’s readiness and commitment to support the Burkinabe government’s efforts. Minister Traoré congratulated his fellow countryman on his appointment to lead UNODC in Burkina Faso.
According to Traoré, having a leader familiar with the local context and terrain enhances the effectiveness of interventions. Encouraging collaboration with volunteer organizations and institutional actors, the foreign minister expressed his department’s readiness to work alongside UNODC to address security and peace challenges in Burkina Faso.
