Dare nationals of Burkina Faso returnees from neighboring Ghana between July 11 and 12. The Ghanaian authorities certainly have their reasons (security or purely administrative). But no matter, the incident shocks part of our opinion, because the people concerned are needy and certainly need support that they do not yet have at home due to insecurity. Just like the UN agency in charge of refugees, which asked the Ghanaian authorities to “put an end to these expulsions which constitute a violation of the principle of non-refoulement, and to guarantee access to the territory and asylum nationals of Burkina Faso seeking international protection”. This incident is a real test of humanitarian solidarity between neighbours, hoping that it does not contribute to straining diplomatic relations between the two countries. Our authorities should therefore keep a low profile and do the best they can to resettle these displaced persons. They are first under their responsibilities. However, this attitude of Ghana contrasts with that of Côte d’Ivoire which, after some hesitation, decided to be pragmatic in the fight against terrorism and in taking care of the displaced. Abidjan offered military equipment to Burkina Faso and opened a camp to accommodate refugees. And it is to the credit of the Ivorian president.
Par Abdoulaye TAO
