New york: Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo delivered a scathing critique of the United Nations during the UN General Assembly, describing its 80-year record as disastrous and deeply disappointing. Ouedraogo’s address highlighted the organization’s failure to deliver on promises and its negative impact on the African continent.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Prime Minister used the session commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Charter to reflect on the organization’s history. He described this period as one of collective disillusionment and structural failure, emphasizing broken promises and shattered hopes for Africa. Ouedraogo sharply criticized the Security Council, labeling it as overly politicized and a “tacit accomplice” in mishandling global crises.

The Prime Minister accused certain permanent members of the Security Council of arbitrarily influencing the international agenda to serve their own interests, including deciding on terrorist threats and peacekeeping missions. Such actions, he argued, often legitimize these members’ roles while excluding Africa from crucial decision-making processes.

Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo’s speech also addressed the marginalization of Africa, home to over a billion people, from significant international decisions. He criticized peacekeeping missions for leaving African countries with frustration and suffering rather than tangible results. The Prime Minister called for profound reforms within the UN to establish a fairer and more effective multilateral system.

Ouedraogo concluded by acknowledging some achievements of the UN but emphasized the loss of trust among populations due to unfulfilled promises over the decades. He urged the international community to restore the UN’s legitimacy and moral authority for it to become a credible instrument for peace, development, and human rights.