OUAGADOUGOU – The Burkinabè army engaged and neutralized several terrorists attempting to flee towards the Nigerien border in a pick-up truck, security sources informed AIB on Tuesday.
According to Burkina Information Agency, This action follows a military operation on February 25, 2024, targeting terrorists who had attacked the town of Tankoualou in the Eastern region. Despite some of the attackers escaping the initial engagement, their attempt to reach the border on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, was thwarted when army radars detected the fugitives speeding towards Niger.
The terrorists, crammed into a pick-up, navigated the rugged tracks but were ultimately intercepted by the army. A missile strike destroyed the vehicle, killing the occupants and preventing their escape. This decisive action by the Burkinabè military underscores the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism within the region.
KOMSILGA – The Burkinabè Youth Parliament for Water (PNJBE) hosted a panel on intergenerational dialogue focusing on the sustainable management of water resources within the agrosylvopastoral sector, as part of the 7th International Exhibition of Agriculture, Environment, and Livestock (SIAEL) on February 22, 2024. The event aimed to highlight the sector’s potential for youth employability.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Dutch ambassador to Burkina Faso, the Netherlands’ status as a leading agricultural exporter is largely due to its advantageous geography, including proximity to rivers and the presence of significant logistical infrastructures like a major port and airport, which facilitate cost-effective production.
Ambassador Loeffen stressed the importance of starting with small-scale production to make a significant impact on rural households, mentioning the Netherlands’ support for Burkina Faso, especially at the rural level, through training and connecting local actors with more efficient systems. She also acknowledged the environmental challenges posed by intensive agriculture and the necessity for the Netherlands to adhere to international climate agreements.
Michel Yameogo, a specialist in capacity building for integrated water resource management, detailed the critical role of the agrosylvopastoral sector in water consumption, accounting for 60% of water use. He highlighted the adverse effects of climate change and insecurity on water resources, urging for careful usage to prevent waste and degradation.
Ludovic Konditamdé, an expert in business development for non-wood forest products, addressed the importance of involving youth in the agrosylvopastoral sector. He pointed out the lack of awareness and education about the sector among young people, who often view rural jobs as undervalued. Konditamdé emphasized the diverse opportunities in production, processing, and marketing within the sector, advocating for specialized training and support to encourage youth participation.
The 7th edition of SIAEL, held from February 20 to 27, 2024, in Komsilga, focused on the impact of the security crisis on the agrosylvopastoral sector, featuring Mali as the guest country of honor.