Accra: UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed regret over the decision by Burkina Faso's transitional authorities to declare the UN resident coordinator persona non grata, as stated by his spokesman.
According to Ghana News Agency, the secretary-general learned with regret that the Burkinabe transitional authorities, on August 18, declared Carol Flore-Smereczniak, the UN resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator in the country, persona non grata. The announcement was made by Stephane Dujarric, the UN spokesman, in an official statement.
Guterres has expressed complete confidence in Flore-Smereczniak's professionalism and dedication, as well as in the broader UN system operating in Burkina Faso. The UN system, under the leadership of the resident coordinator, has been actively collaborating with the Burkinabe transitional authorities to support development efforts and provide humanitarian assistance.
It was emphasized by Dujarric that the doctrine of persona non grata does not apply to UN officials, and only the secretary-general has the authority to determine, after a thorough investigation, the withdrawal of any UN official. Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to continue assisting the people of Burkina Faso, in full cooperation with the transitional authorities.
Flore-Smereczniak has departed from Burkina Faso, as confirmed by Dujarric to reporters.
