Bamako: On the sidelines of the 14th Meeting of the Tripartite Commission held on April 13 and 14, 2026, in Bamako, an inter-ministerial delegation from Ouagadougou met with the Burkinabe refugee community living in the Republic of Mali on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Embassy of Burkina Faso. Led by Mr. Hermann Yirigouin TOE, Ambassador, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this meeting reflects the ongoing commitment of the highest Burkinabe authorities to maintain a direct, frank, and unmediated link with all their compatriots, wherever they may be, including in the most difficult contexts.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Head of Delegation strongly reaffirmed that the issue of Burkinab¨ refugees falls first and foremost under the sovereign responsibility of the Burkinab¨ State. In this regard, he assured that concrete actions are being taken to sustainably restore the integrity of the national territory, an essential condition for the return of displaced populations. He emphasized that Burkina Faso, alongside its partners in the Confederation of Sahel States, fully embraces its strategic choice to regain its security, political, and economic sovereignty, through homegrown solutions tailored to the realities of the region. In this context, the return of refugees can only be considered within a controlled framework that guarantees security, dignity, and stability.
Ambassador TOE expressed the Burkinabe Government's gratitude to the Malian people and authorities for their fraternal hospitality, illustrating the active solidarity between sovereign states sharing a common history, common challenges, and a convergent vision of their destiny. He also welcomed the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), while recalling that humanitarian action must be carried out in accordance with national priorities and the sovereign choices of the States concerned.
Speaking at the event, the refugee representatives expressed their support for the Burkinabe authorities' efforts to secure the territory and restore state authority. They welcomed the progress made on the ground and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to their homeland. They also expressed their gratitude for the multifaceted support they receive, while presenting the delegation with a certificate of appreciation addressed to the Minister in charge of National Solidarity.
The direct and frank exchanges shed light on the realities of the refugees' daily lives. It emerged that, despite the challenges, they live in harmony with the Malian population and actively participate in the local economy, particularly in the agriculture, livestock, and crafts sectors. Spread across the entire territory of Mali, with a notable presence in the regions of Gao, Mopti, San, Timbuktu, and Segou, they were estimated at two hundred and four thousand (204,000) people on February 28, 2026, according to statistics from the National Commission in charge of Refugees (CNCR) of Mali.
Among the concerns raised is the need for identity documents, an essential condition for their autonomy and full integration into local socio-economic dynamics. Despite their exile, Burkinabe refugees in Mali remain deeply rooted in their national identity and express their clear desire to return and contribute to the reconstruction of Burkina Faso as soon as security conditions allow.
The 14th Meeting of the Tripartite Commission was also marked by a strong gesture of national solidarity, with the Burkinabe government donating 50 tons of rice, 40 tons of beans, 300 cans of oil, and 300 cartons of pasta. This contribution, resulting from a national effort, reflects Burkina Faso's commitment to supporting its citizens, wherever they may be, without dependence or conditions. The distribution of this aid will be ensured by the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Bamako, in coordination with the competent Malian authorities.