An official delegation led by the head of Médiateur du Faso, Ms. Alima Déborah Traore, visited the Control Yuan (CY) on the morning of March 8, 2016. They first met with CY President Dr. Chang Po-ya at her office, after which the two sides signed a cooperation agreement during a CY plenary meeting.
In her opening remarks at the gathering, President Chang extended a warm welcome to the delegation and briefly explained the CY’s powers and functions. She noted that Burkina Faso has long been the ROC’s staunchest ally in western Africa and that the accord signed today heralded a new era of ombudsmanship exchanges between the two nations.
Following the signing ceremony, Ms. Traore delivered a speech and thoroughly explained the legal structure and powers of Médiateur du Faso. She noted that in contrast to the CY’s core duty of supervising the government administration, the main focus of her office is mediating and settling disputes between citizens and the government. Ms. Traore also thanked the ROC for donating 26 new computers to replace old ones used in their local branch offices.
Prior to the speech, Ms. Traore expressed her sympathy for those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Tainan last month, and asked the meeting participants to join her in observing a minute of silence for the victims and their loved ones.
As March 8 was also International Women’s Day, Ms. Traore addressed a special greeting to the President and the other female CY members. She praised them for serving as excellent role models and said she felt inspired to encourage more women in Burkina Faso to participate in public affairs. Following the speech, several CY members posed questions about practical matters concerning Ms. Traore’s office and engaged in a lively discussion with her.
The delegation also enjoyed a guided tour of the Control Yuan, including a visit to the Complaint Receipt Center to learn about its daily operations. In addition, President Chang hosted a luncheon for the delegation on the same day. She presented flowers to the female guests in celebration of Women’s Day and expressed the hope for greater joint efforts in promoting gender equality issues in the future.
Also attending the agreement signing ceremony at the CY were Burkina Faso Ambassador to the ROC Mme Céline Yoda Konkobo as well as ROC Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Javier Ching-shan Hou.