On Friday, 5 June 2026, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, alongside Delegate Minister Camarade Bêbgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabre/Kabore, received 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’s priorities and requested the Foreign Affairs department’s support to successfully implement UNODC’s various programmes and projects.

Dr Sanou noted that the priorities identified by UNODC align closely with the government’s key objectives in combating organised crime, drug trafficking and consumption, arms smuggling, and terrorism, among other challenges.

During the discussions, the UNODC chief reaffirmed his office’s readiness and commitment to support the Burkinabe government’s efforts. The foreign minister congratulated his compatriot on his appointment to lead UNODC in Burkina Faso.

For his part, Minister Traoré emphasised that having a leader familiar with local realities and context enhances the effectiveness of interventions. He encouraged Dr Sanou to collaborate with voluntary organisations and institutional stakeholders, and affirmed that his department is ready to work alongside UNODC to address security and peace challenges in Burkina Faso.