Ouagadougou: The Head of Protocol at the Embassy of Burkina Faso to the Kingdom of Morocco, Severin Sanou, recently defended his Master 2 in International and Humanitarian Studies at Mohammed V University in Rabat, showcasing a significant achievement in his academic and professional journey.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Severin Sanou, who holds a prominent diplomatic position, focused his thesis on the critical theme of prohibiting the use of starvation against civilians during warfare, particularly in situations involving blockades and sieges. His research emphasized the importance of continuing education and research as vital tools for promoting and upholding international humanitarian law.

Sanou's dedication over six months culminated in earning his Master's degree, where he highlighted the strict prohibition of using famine as a weapon of war, a concept enshrined in the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions since 1977. However, he further noted that it wasn't until 2019 that the Rome Statute's amendment fully criminalized this act as a war crime in non-international armed conflicts.

The diplomat referenced current global situations, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, which have prompted unprecedented actions by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), underscoring the urgency of addressing this humanitarian issue.

Expressing his satisfaction upon completing his academic work, Sanou shared that his studies have provided him with a broader perspective on global issues, reinforcing his commitment to fighting impunity. He remains hopeful that his research contributes positively towards achieving justice in situations where civilians face starvation as a weapon of war.