Day: February 20, 2024

Nayala, Burkina Faso – Populations in two municipalities within the Nayala province are experiencing a return to normalcy, thanks to successful territorial security operations. These efforts, observed on February 14 and 15, 2024, have enabled resettlement and the revival of daily activities in areas previously afflicted by terrorism.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the commander of a Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) unit, significant progress has been made in securing the region. A critical transportation route, closed for over a year due to terrorist activities, was reopened on January 30, 2024. The commander highlighted the resilience of the local population and the FDS and VDP’s commitment to serving them.

The impact of terrorism in one of the towns, which had become a terrorist stronghold since 2022, was profound. With the administration absent and schools shuttered, the terrorists imposed their rule, engaging in theft and damaging infrastructure. However, the situation began to improve significantly from January 22, 2024, with the restoration of trust and the return of administrative services.

Education has seen a remarkable turnaround, with the reopening of twelve classrooms in January 2024, allowing 700 students to resume their studies. The economic sector is also showing signs of recovery, with local farmers like Mariam, president of a women’s group, and others returning to their fields, bolstered by the security provided by the FDS and VDP.

The local canton chief expressed gratitude towards the security forces for their role in restoring peace, enabling residents to safely conduct their daily business. He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation with the security forces to maintain safety and report suspicious activities.

The revitalization of the town is evident in various aspects of community life, from religious ceremonies being held without fear to the uninterrupted operation of the health center and fuel station. The strategic importance of this town in the fight against terrorism was underscored by the FDS unit commander, who noted the ongoing threat but reassured the community of the security forces’ commitment to their safety.

This resurgence of peace and normalcy in Nayala province stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the security operations and the resilience of its people, marking a significant step towards the eradication of terrorism in the region.

ADDIS ABABA – During the 37th Ordinary Summit of the African Union (AU), Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), praised Ethiopia for its substantial contributions to tree planting efforts on the continent. Andersen emphasized Ethiopia’s role as a leading example in Africa for its initiatives to combat climate change through extensive afforestation.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in June 2019. This initiative has successfully resulted in the planting of over 32.5 billion tree seedlings, aimed at improving soil quality, increasing water absorption, and preventing landslides, showcasing a significant stride towards mitigating climate-related challenges both within the nation and globally.

Andersen highlighted the broader benefits of such environmental projects, noting their positive impacts not only on local ecosystems but also on the global economy. She underscored the critical situation of climate change effects, particularly in Africa, a continent that faces severe repercussions despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The UNEP Executive Director pointed out the urgent need for climate justice and finance, mentioning the establishment of a loss and damage fund with an initial allocation of 800 million USD as a step forward, though she stressed the necessity for much larger investments to effectively address the crisis.

The United Nations, according to Andersen, is committed to supporting Ethiopia and the entire African continent through strategic investments and policy adjustments aimed at enhancing resilience against climate change and advancing sustainable development goals.

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s recent hosting of the African Union (AU) Summit has been hailed as a testament to its dedication to advancing continental aspirations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. During a media briefing, State Ministers Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Ambassador Birtukan Ayano praised the summit’s successful execution and Ethiopia’s efforts in addressing critical issues facing Africa.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the summit focused on pivotal topics such as education, and peace and security across the continent, reflecting Ethiopia’s national interests. He elaborated on Ethiopia’s presentation regarding the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, underscoring the importance of a committed adherence to its complete realization.

The summit also marked a significant milestone for Ethiopia’s economic integration within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with the approval of the country’s proposed goods tariff. This approval enables Ethiopia to join the nine African nations already trading under the AfCFTA framework. “Our goods tariff offer was endorsed by the ministers of trade of African governments to trade under AfCFTA; and this is a great success,” stated Ambassador Arga.

Furthermore, Ethiopia’s achievements in agriculture, particularly its wheat production and the Yelemat Terufat program, were showcased, highlighting the country’s contributions to agricultural advancements on the continent.

Addressing the Ethio-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Ambassador Arga reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration, emphasizing that the MoU is consistent with Ethiopia’s foreign policy objectives and its principle of fostering development within a rule-based and mutually beneficial framework.

Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, on her part, focused on the logistical and protocol aspects of the summit, declaring it a resounding success. She noted the peaceful conclusion, meticulous protocol adherence, and seamless accommodation for over 8,000 delegates from 49 African countries as evidence of the government’s effective planning and execution. The summit’s organization facilitated the participation of 31 heads of state and six vice presidents, with 54 chartered airplanes efficiently managed at Bole International Airport.

Additionally, Ambassador Birtukan highlighted the cultural enrichment provided to guests and diplomats, including visits to the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, further enhancing the summit’s success. “Following the preparation made for over three months, the summit concluded successfully…Our country is respected and elevated by hosting this very successful summit,” she remarked.

Looking ahead, the state minister expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to continuous improvement and the introduction of innovative elements to further bolster its hosting capabilities for future events.

OUAGADOUGOU – In a meeting held on Tuesday in Ouagadougou, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, the Minister of State, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, welcomed the new Ambassador of Japan to Burkina Faso, His Excellency Nagashama Jun. The ambassador’s visit aimed to reaffirm Japan’s ongoing commitment to cooperation with Burkina Faso in several key areas.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Japan intends to maintain its support for Burkina Faso’s national development policy, focusing on human capital formation, agricultural development, regional integration, and security. The ambassador emphasized Japan’s desire to continue its collaborative efforts to aid Burkina Faso’s development.

Minister Ouédraogo expressed appreciation for the strong relationship between Burkina Faso and Japan, expressing hope for further enhancement of their collaboration, particularly in cultural exchanges. He highlighted the importance of culture in fostering mutual understanding and discovery among peoples.

The meeting underscores the commitment of both nations to work together on development initiatives that benefit Burkina Faso while strengthening bilateral relations.

Nayala, Burkina Faso – Populations in two municipalities within the Nayala province are experiencing a return to normalcy, thanks to successful territorial security operations. These efforts, observed on February 14 and 15, 2024, have enabled resettlement and the revival of daily activities in areas previously afflicted by terrorism.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the commander of a Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) unit, significant progress has been made in securing the region. A critical transportation route, closed for over a year due to terrorist activities, was reopened on January 30, 2024. The commander highlighted the resilience of the local population and the FDS and VDP’s commitment to serving them.

The impact of terrorism in one of the towns, which had become a terrorist stronghold since 2022, was profound. With the administration absent and schools shuttered, the terrorists imposed their rule, engaging in theft and damaging infrastructure. However, the situation began to improve significantly from January 22, 2024, with the restoration of trust and the return of administrative services.

Education has seen a remarkable turnaround, with the reopening of twelve classrooms in January 2024, allowing 700 students to resume their studies. The economic sector is also showing signs of recovery, with local farmers like Mariam, president of a women’s group, and others returning to their fields, bolstered by the security provided by the FDS and VDP.

The local canton chief expressed gratitude towards the security forces for their role in restoring peace, enabling residents to safely conduct their daily business. He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation with the security forces to maintain safety and report suspicious activities.

The revitalization of the town is evident in various aspects of community life, from religious ceremonies being held without fear to the uninterrupted operation of the health center and fuel station. The strategic importance of this town in the fight against terrorism was underscored by the FDS unit commander, who noted the ongoing threat but reassured the community of the security forces’ commitment to their safety.

This resurgence of peace and normalcy in Nayala province stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the security operations and the resilience of its people, marking a significant step towards the eradication of terrorism in the region.

BOBO-DIOULASSO – The National Firefighters School in Bobo-Dioulasso celebrated the graduation of the 21st promotion of firefighters, named ‘Abnegation’, on Friday, February 16, 2024. The ceremony marked the culmination of rigorous training for 249 student firefighters, ready to undertake their duties across Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Blaise Waongo, the promotion began their journey on July 2, 2023, initially comprising 250 students who underwent six months of preliminary military training at the Armed Forces Training Group (GIFA). The training concluded with 249 graduates, including 25 women, after one resignation was officially accepted by the military hierarchy.

Commander Waongo highlighted that the training aimed to instill a military spirit, enhance physical conditioning, and prepare the trainees for the challenges of firefighting and national security. He expressed confidence in the graduates’ readiness to “serve or die for the security of our country,” embodying the spirit of their promotion name, ‘Abnegation’.

“They can be sure that the training they have received will enable them to hold their various positions. Both within fire units and in combat, they can liberate Burkina Faso,” Waongo stated, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the training which included first aid, swimming, and firefighting techniques.

Waongo’s message to the new firefighters was one of encouragement, urging them to approach their duties with courage and dedication. He assured them that the skills acquired during their training would be instrumental in their future missions, both in firefighting and in broader national defense roles.

Colonel Commander Naon Daba, the battalion chief, expressed gratitude towards the military and firefighting hierarchy for their support in the successful training of the new firefighters. Promotion delegate Manacé Lakoandé shared insights into the challenging but rewarding training process, highlighting the diverse skills learned, from first aid to firefighting.

The graduation of the 21st promotion of firefighters in Bobo-Dioulasso represents a significant addition to Burkina Faso’s firefighting and emergency response capabilities, with the new graduates poised to contribute to the safety and security of the nation.