Ouagadougou: The Mutual of Solidarity Neighbors (MU-VS) organized the first edition of its "48 Hours" event on June 27 and 28 in Kamboinsin, in the 9th arrondissement of Ouagadougou. The initiative aims to promote social cohesion, community spirit, and peace, while raising awareness among the population about health, first aid, and fire safety.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the opening ceremony of the Mutual of Solidarity Neighbors (MU-VS) was presided over by the President of the special delegation (PDS) of the district n°9 of Ouagadougou, Comrade Joceline Traor©/Sanon. At the end of the opening ceremony, the PDS, the president of the MU-VS, Kassoum Traor©, the representative of the sponsor, the customary and religious leaders, the members of the MU-VS as well as the people carried out a tree planting session within the Saint Theraph school complex, the setting which hosted the activities of the "48 hours" of the MU-VS.
This symbolic gesture reflected the organizers' desire to link the promotion of social cohesion with environmental protection and sustainable development. According to Comrade Kassoum Traor©, this organization was born from the conviction that "no sustainable development is possible without solidarity, without mutual aid and without social cohesion". Referring to the national context, he stressed that peacebuilding does not depend solely on the actions of the authorities or the Defense and Security Forces (DSF), but also on the daily behavior of citizens, based on dialogue, mutual respect and trust between neighbors.
Mr. Traor© indicated that these "48 hours of the Mutual of Solidarity Neighbors" are part of a dynamic of promoting the values of solidarity, mutual aid and civic responsibility within the community. For her part, the President of the special delegation (PDS) of the arrondissement n°9 of Ouagadougou, Comrade Joceline Traor©/Sanon, welcomed an initiative in line with the government's vision in terms of social cohesion. She invited the members of the mutual to strengthen unity, to prioritize the collective interest and to develop community projects in favor of women, youth and vulnerable populations.
"District No. 9 is proud to have organizations like yours. You are grassroots development actors," she said, before reaffirming the Special Delegation's commitment to supporting citizen initiatives that promote peace and local development. For his part, the representative of the sponsor, Moustafa Badini, assured his willingness to support initiatives aimed at promoting social cohesion, living together and local development.
During the two days of activities, participants benefited from presentations on social cohesion, living together and the promotion of peace, led by human rights advisor Rouki©ta Yaogo/Zall©. They also received first aid and fire safety training from the fire department warrant officer, Achille O. Adynali, who carried out practical demonstrations for the benefit of the local population.
A free hepatitis B screening campaign, followed by a subsidized vaccination campaign, was also organized for the benefit of the population. Board games, activities promoting joking relationships, showcasing local cuisine, and a gala match also marked this first edition.
Created in 2024 to strengthen mutual aid among the residents of the B©guintigu¨ district (Kamboinsin), the Mutuelle des voisins solidaires has already carried out several community actions, including sanitation days, the development of a street, initiatives in favor of access to drinking water, as well as support for vulnerable people. Through this first edition of its "48 hours", the Mutual reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a local player serving the community, contributing to the strengthening of social ties as well as to the protection of the health and safety of the population.
It also intends to make this initiative a permanent feature, establishing it as an annual framework for promoting social cohesion, community living, citizenship and community engagement in support of sustainable development.