The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Burkina Faso, Barbara Manzi, was declared persona non grata by the country’s transitional government on Friday, December 23, due, among other things, to her contacts with terrorist leaders; much to the regret of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
The UN SG « learned with regret » of the information relating to the expulsion of Barbara Manzi, while indicating that he « has full confidence in the United Nations system in Burkina Faso as well as in the commitment and in the professionalism of Barbara Manzi, the designated UN official in this country”, reports a press release published by the spokesperson for Guterres, Stéphane Dujarric.
The document goes on to state that “the United Nations system, led by the Resident Coordinator, has endeavored to work with the authorities of the Burkinabè transition in order to support development efforts and provide much needed humanitarian assistance”.
« The doctrine of persona non grata does not apply to officials of the United Nations », also underlines the press release, which recalls that, under Articles 100 and 101 of the Charter of the United Nations, officials of the United Nations are appointed by the Secretary-General, and are responsible only to the Organization. The Member States of the United Nations undertake to respect their exclusively international character.
Moreover, in accordance with Article 105 of the Charter, the Organization enjoys privileges and immunities, including the right for its officials to remain in Burkina Faso in order to exercise their functions on behalf of the Organization.
Stéphane Dujarric noted that only the Secretary-General, as Chief Administrative Officer of the Organization, is empowered to decide, after careful investigation, on the withdrawal of any United Nations official.
Never mind, the SG reiterated the will of the United Nations to continue their commitment to the transitional authorities of Burkina Faso to support the country and its people.
By OMA Newsletter N° 990 of 26/12/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
