Day: February 14, 2024

GANZOURGOU – In a commendable act of community support, the residents of Waguessé village have rallied to aid internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the commune of Zorgho, collecting essential foodstuffs and funds on February 13, 2024. Following an appeal from their village chief, the villagers amassed 400 kg of sorghum, 200 kg of corn, and a monetary contribution of 21,500 FCFA to assist the IDPs.

According to Burkina Information Agency, The community directly donated 100 kg of sorghum and 100 kg of maize to the IDPs residing within their village. The remaining supplies and funds were handed over to Valentin Badolo, the President of the special delegation (PDS) of Zorgho, to support the broader IDP community in the commune.

The food distribution ceremony was held at the town hall, witnessed by Zorgho’s PDS, the first vice-president of the special delegation, the president of the regional planning and land management commission, and the head of the municipal social service. PDS Valentin Badolo praised the villagers for their solidarity and encouraged others to emulate their generosity.

Issouf Sawadogo, head of the municipal social service, highlighted the pressing need for assistance among the IDPs, exacerbated by a scarcity of food and basic necessities. With over 10,000 IDPs currently in a precarious situation within the commune, the contributions from the residents of Waguessé are a much-needed relief for the most vulnerable among them.

OUAHIGOUYA – The trial of eight individuals implicated in the disturbances that occurred in Ouahigouya, a town in the northern region of Burkina Faso, on January 29, 2024, has been deferred to February 21, 2024. The Ouahigouya High Court, which commenced proceedings on February 14, 2024, at 8 a.m., decided on the postponement following a request by the Deputy Prosecutor and the counsel of a defendant, owing to the absence of the Judicial Agent of the State.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the eight defendants were apprehended following a violent demonstration organized under a “Call for general mobilization” by various individuals and civil society organizations in Ouahigouya. The demonstration, demanding enhanced security measures in the Yatenga region against terrorist activities, escalated into violence, resulting in damage to the regional branch of public television and the gates of the palace of Her Majesty Naaba Kiiba.

The charges against the accused include participating in armed gatherings, organizing an unlawful demonstration, and committing acts of vandalism.

OUAGADOUGOU – In a significant move to enhance transparency and governance, the Council of Ministers in Burkina Faso, led by the President of the Transition and Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traore, convened on Wednesday to deliberate on multiple pivotal matters. Among the key decisions made was the adoption of a new decree aimed at improving the management of the Patriotic Support Fund (FSP), as announced by Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, the Minister of State and Government Spokesperson.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, the revised decree introduces substantial changes to the framework governing the FSP. Notably, the decree for the first time includes the FSP in the state budget for the fiscal year 2024, establishing a special allocation account. This account designates the Minister of Finance as the authorizing officer for revenues and the commander of the Brigade of Monitoring and Patriotic Defense (BVDP) as the authorizing officer for expenditures.

Further innovations highlighted by the Minister Delegate include the integration of recommendations from control institutions like the general inspectorate of the armed forces. These institutions are now empowered to conduct audits at the FSP level, reinforcing the fund’s accountability and oversight mechanisms.

These measures, as detailed by the government, are geared towards bolstering transparency in the management of the FSP’s resources, thereby ensuring public confidence in the administration’s handling of the fund. The Council of Ministers also examined other draft decrees under the Ministry of the Economy, Finance, and Foresight, including those pertaining to the management of fund deposit accounts at the Public Treasury and the application of a preferential regime on capital gains revaluation of balance sheets.

In addition to fiscal management reforms, the Council addressed issues related to energy security and mining sector governance. It adopted a report on the management of the mine rehabilitation and closure fund and deliberated on asset transfer requests from state mining companies. An oral communication proposing measures to secure the electrical energy supply to Burkina Faso was also discussed, reflecting the government’s comprehensive approach to national development and stability.

OUAGADOUGOU – The beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday and the recent triumph of the Ivorian national football team at the CAN 2023 have captured the attention of Burkina Faso’s media this Wednesday. The private daily Le Pays highlighted the significance of Lent as a journey towards forgiveness, as explained by Father Paul Dah, the communications officer of the Burkina-Niger episcopal conference.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Father Dah described Lent as a path led by God’s spirit towards the Easter of Jesus, emphasizing prayer and sharing as the means to achieve forgiveness, joy, and life. Additionally, the Observer Paalga published a poem by Abbot Justin Zangré, calling for radical conversion during this Lenten season.

In sports news, L’Observateur Paalga celebrated the Ivory Coast national football team’s victory at the 34th African Cup of Nations (CAN 2023), noting the generous rewards bestowed upon the team. According to reports, the players, technical staff, and the Ivorian football federation (FIF) received significant cash prizes and other rewards, including villas for key players like Max Alain Gradel, to honor their performance. The private daily Le Pays emphasized that this victory should act as a catalyst for strengthening national unity.