The trip of Crown Princess Mary of Denmark to Burkina Faso has been postponed after the terrorist attack on a hotel last weekend in Ouagadougou, the capital of the West African country. The action of the African branch of al-Qaeda killed at least 28 people and injured 50 people seriously.
The Danish Foreign Ministry announced Monday that the trip, planned for later this week, had to be postponed due to the security risks. "Because of the security situation, it is unfortunately necessary to postpone the Crown Princess, and my visit to Burkina Faso. But I very much look forward to complete the visit as soon as possible.", Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen stated in a press release. "I want to reiterate that I most strongly condemn the terrorist attack. Burkina Faso is a country which has shown an indomitable will to democracy, and terrorists must not be allowed to destroy the people's desire to live in peace and stability. "
Crown Princess Mary, who would have been accompanied by Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen, was planning to pay special attention during her visit to the health and rights of women and the positive democratic development of the country.
Burkina Faso is one of the world's poorest countries, with a high population growth. The West African country has made progress in relation to maternal and infant mortality, and is committed to improving women's and children's rights. The situation of girls and women is still characterized by a number of challenges, including lack of access to a number of basic health services.
The Crown Princess, together with the Foreign Minister was planning to visit health facilities in the capital and in the countryside. There was also a visit planned to a clinic, where there would have been the opportunity to talk to young Burkinabé on their access to information, contraception and health care. © RB
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