Day: January 10, 2024

Geneva – The International Labor Organization (ILO) has projected an increase in global unemployment in 2024, attributing the rise to emerging vulnerabilities in the job market. This assessment was detailed in a press release issued on January 10, 2024, and later disseminated from the AIB headquarters in Ouagadougou.

According to Burkina Information Agency, an additional two million people are anticipated to be job-seeking in 2024, raising the global unemployment rate to 5.2%, a slight uptick from the previous year. The release emphasizes concerns over growing inequality and stagnant productivity as contributing factors to this trend.

The ILO’s latest report, titled “Global Employment and Social Affairs: Trend 2024,” underscores the uneven nature of the post-COVID-19 pandemic job market recovery. The report points to new vulnerabilities and multiple ongoing crises as obstacles to achieving greater social justice in the workforce. It calls on governments to bolster their economies through measures aimed at enhancing productivity and living standards, especially in the face of geopolitical tensions that hinder swift and effective international coordination.

The report also highlights the diminishing resources available to governments, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, in managing economic challenges. Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director-General of the ILO, quoted in the press release, expresses concern about these findings. He indicates that the imbalances are not merely consequences of the pandemic’s resumption but are structural in nature.

Focusing on Burkina Faso’s response, the country is committed to expanding job opportunities for its youth in sectors like defense, security, agriculture, health, education, and small and medium-sized enterprises, including the informal sector. Additionally, the development of a national skills development strategy for employment is expected to enhance the competitiveness of young people in the job market.

Notably, the ILO report does not account for the impact of protectionist and anti-immigrant policies implemented in some countries.

Ouagadougou – Burkina Faso’s government, under President Ibrahim Traoré, has announced significant increases in financial support for the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP). The measures include substantial hikes in disability premiums, monthly salaries, death benefits, and burial costs for VDP members.

According to Burkina Information Agency, by the ministries of Defense and Economy, the disability premium for VDPs will now be 3 million FCFA, up from 1 million 800 thousand. Similarly, the monthly salary has been raised from 60 thousand to 80 thousand FCFA. In the event of death, beneficiaries will receive an increased benefit of 3 million FCFA, and burial costs will be covered up to 250 thousand FCFA, a notable increase from the previous 100 thousand FCFA.

These enhancements are part of a broader initiative to bolster the VDP, civilians who work alongside the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) to combat terrorism in Burkina Faso. The decree also confirms the continuation of existing benefits, such as a daily food bonus of 1,500 FCFA and medical care costs coverage of 2,000 FCFA per month.

To fund these additional expenditures, President Traoré has implemented strategies to augment the Patriotic Support Fund (FSP), which is primarily financed through various taxes. In a demonstration of commitment, President Traoré, as of January 3, 2024, has renounced his salary as head of state, opting instead for an officer’s pay. Furthermore, government members will contribute 5% of their net salary starting January 1, 2024.

The decree stipulates that civil servants are to contribute 1% of their monthly salary to the fund, with those receiving bonuses donating 25%. Additionally, companies are called upon to allocate 2% of their annual profits to support the national cause.

Another significant change outlined in the decree is the elimination of fuel reimbursement for VDP command groups, which previously varied between 200 and 300 thousand FCFA monthly. Moving forward, VDPs will need to either contribute to fuel costs or rely on support from local communities and other benefactors.

Ouagadougou – In a recent development within Burkina Faso’s government, Intendant Colonel-Major Jean-Baptiste Parkouda has been appointed as the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs. This decision was made during a Council of Ministers meeting held on Wednesday.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Parkouda, who previously served as the Director General of Sectoral Studies and Statistics at the Ministry of Defense, will now take on a more pivotal role in the country’s defense administration. His new position as Secretary General places him at the forefront of managing and overseeing various operations and initiatives within the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

This appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffle within the government’s defense sector, aiming to enhance the efficacy and coordination of Burkina Faso’s military and defense strategies.