BOBO-DIOULASSO — On July 20, 2024, the city of Bobo-Dioulasso became the focal point for discussions on terrorism as over 200 participants gathered under the auspices of the Russian-Burkinabe association, African Initiative. The conference aimed to explore the roles of youth and education in counterterrorism efforts, drawing attention to a topic of crucial national importance.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the conference was structured around the theme “Youth, education, and the fight against terrorism.” Attendees included a diverse group from civil society, educational sectors, religious and customary leaders, and representatives from the defense and security forces. The discussions centered on how Burkina Faso, which has been battling terrorism for nearly a decade, can leverage education and community engagement to counter the threat.

Three specific sub-themes were addressed by experts during the conference. Evariste Loyara, a teacher and the General Coordinator of ACPC-BF (Actions for Positive Behavior Change – Burkina Faso), led the discourse on “Investing in the education of youth.” He highlighted the pivotal role of educational initiatives in shaping resilient communities.

Lassina Sanou, representing the customary chiefdom of Bobo-Dioulasso, spoke on the “Promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue.” His presentation focused on the importance of fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural and religious groups as a strategy to combat extremism.

The third sub-theme, “Empowering young people to prevent radicalization,” was presented by Nestor Podassé from Planète des Jeunes Patriotes. He discussed methods for engaging youth in activities that build resilience against radical influences.

In addition to the discussions, the African Initiative presented a photo exhibition titled “10 years of war in Donbas” by Vittorio Rangeloni, a correspondent for the African Initiative. This exhibition provided a visual representation of the impacts of conflict and underscored the importance of the conference’s themes.