DANO, IOBA — On Thursday, August 29, 2024, a government delegation led by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, Serges Poda, visited Dano in the province of Ioba to communicate key messages from President Ibrahim Traoré focusing on security, social cohesion, and socio-economic revival. The visit is part of a broader effort by the government to engage directly with local communities across the South-West region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, ordered by President Traoré, aimed to deliver three critical messages to the local populations and leaders. “The first message deals with the issue of security and peace, the second with social cohesion, and the third outlines the actions taken to rejuvenate Burkina Faso’s socio-economic landscape,” Poda explained during the meeting held at the Dano town hall.
The meeting underscored significant achievements in enhancing local security, with Poda highlighting recent efforts to equip defense and security forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) with necessary resources. These measures have facilitated the reconquest of territories and the resettlement of local populations.
The ministerial delegation, which also included the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Roland Somda, emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and solidarity among the citizens of the South-West to ensure ongoing peace and stability. They also discussed economic initiatives launched by the government, such as agricultural support and health care improvements, including the distribution of mobile clinics across thirteen regions.
High Commissioner of Ioba, Bernadette Adenyo née Sermé, acknowledged the successful reopening of schools and health centers previously shut down due to terrorism, attributing these achievements to the valor of the FDS and VDP. She also noted the local commitment to social cohesion, evidenced by the community’s active participation in the patriotic support fund.
The outreach also featured contributions from the local community leaders, who voiced their ongoing support for government initiatives and President Traoré’s leadership. Grievances and suggestions were formally submitted to the government representatives in a memorandum by community leaders.
As a part of their visit, the ministers distributed food to internally displaced persons and fuel to the VDPs in Dano, demonstrating continued support for those affected by instability. The mission concluded with further engagements in the commune of Dissihn, where similar support and resources were extended.
This series of visits by the government delegation highlights a concerted effort to address the pressing needs of Ioba’s residents while fostering a collaborative approach to national recovery and development.