OUAGADOUGOU—The newly appointed representative and Country Director of the World Food Program (WFP), Mr. Sory Ouane, officially presented his Cabinet Letters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, signaling the beginning of his tenure in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Mr. Ouane, who began his role as the WFP Country Representative and Director on August 26, 2024, has a wealth of experience in humanitarian and development aid spanning over thirty years. His prior stint in Burkina Faso from 1994 to 1998 and his Malian nationality contribute to his deep familiarity with the region, which he claims feels like home.

During the presentation, Mr. Ouane emphasized that the WFP’s initiatives under his leadership will align with the priorities of the Burkinabe government, focusing on humanitarian aid, development, and enhancing the resilience of the local population. He expressed his institution’s openness to government guidance to ensure that WFP interventions are beneficial to the people of Burkina Faso.

The Minister, Mr. Traoré, expressed his pleasure in welcoming a seasoned professional like Mr. Ouane who is well-acquainted with the country’s context and culture. He highlighted his optimism for impactful cooperation between Burkina Faso and the WFP that corresponds with presidential initiatives. Furthermore, the Minister assured Mr. Ouane of the Foreign Affairs Department’s full support in facilitating a successful mission in Burkina Faso, often referred to as the land of upright men.