Rabat: Burkina Faso is actively participating in the inaugural international conference focused on African victims of terrorism. This significant two-day event opened on Tuesday, December 2, in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, organized by the Kingdom of Morocco through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad. Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traore from Burkina Faso made a strong appeal to cease using terrorism as an instrument of foreign policy.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the conference aims to shed light on the human impact of terrorism in Africa and to bolster support and resilience mechanisms across the continent. The conference is backed by the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) and serves as a platform to discuss and adopt the Rabat Declaration, which emphasizes support for African victims of terrorism.

Minister Traore, leading the Burkinabe delegation, highlighted Burkina Faso's humanitarian efforts for terrorism victims, focusing on a multi-sectoral assistance mechanism. He advocated for empowering narratives about the victims, noting their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit despite the challenges they face. Minister Traore emphasized the importance of preventing terrorism by ensuring there are no resources or spaces for perpetrators and condemned the use of terrorism as a tool of foreign policy.

While expressing regret over the lack of active international solidarity for countries combating terrorism, Minister Traore reiterated Burkina Faso's commitment to the Rabat Declaration. He urged the international community to view terrorism as a global threat that transcends race, religion, and borders, necessitating a concerted global response with substantial resources.

Minister Traore's plea also highlighted the neglect of the terrorism issue in the Sahel by the international community, which often prioritizes condemning human rights allegations over supporting anti-terrorism efforts. He called for recognition of the legitimacy of the Sahel countries' fight against terrorism and equal recognition of African victims' rights.

The conference, spanning two days, brings together representatives from African governments, international and regional organizations, victims' associations, and experts to address the pressing issue of terrorism in Africa.