Thank chair, Minister, briefers.
Norway shares the analysis and concerns expressed in the concept note and by several speakers today.
Burkina Faso is in a precarious situation, and the government and people need stronger and more coordinated international support – and it is urgent.
The situation in Burkina Faso has deteriorated. Attacks by jihadists have led to a rapid increase in humanitarian and protection needs of the local populations. The social fabric is being threatened by growing inter-communal violence, effectively nurtured by the extremists.
We applaud the efforts of the Government to address the challenges through a broad range of measures. We are convinced that this leadership by the Government merits international support. Capacity needs to be enhanced, while maintaining the leadership of the Government in re-establishing security and social cohesion across the country.
Norway stands with Burkina Faso in facing up to the current challenges, and we appreciate the good bilateral dialogue.
The initiative by the Secretary General to create an Emergence Task Force at the UN to respond to the need for a scaled-up UN presence in the country, adapted to the shifting realities on the ground, was welcome. In moving forward, it is vital that the Government is fully included in the process.
Norway would like to applaud the efforts of UNOWAS, the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Resident Coordinator. We rely on the UN as a major partner for our support. We will continue to support the Peacebuilding Fund, in recognition of the catalytic role the fund can play, its important focus on cross-border projects in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in the spirit of the sustaining peace approach.
Coordination of efforts to mediate and manage the ongoing crisis remains a challenge. Norway commends Burkina Faso for developing a New Partnership for Prevention and Peacebuilding which focuses on how we work together rather than establishing a new coordination mechanism.
Thank you.