Ouagadougou: The Association of Muslim Students in Burkina Faso (AEEMB) has officially commenced its 2026 Provincial Islamic Training Seminars (SEPROFI) in Leo, themed "AEEMB, 40 Years Serving the Nation: Achievements and Prospects." This edition marks the emerald jubilee of the organization, a significant player in civic education and social cohesion in Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch was announced by Tewende Isaac Sia, the High Commissioner of Sissili Province, representing Minister of National Development Mikalou Sidibe. The event also saw the attendance of Idrissa Ouedraogo, the Regional Director of National Development for Kadiogo. This year, the seminars feature 40 training sessions nationwide, engaging over 7,000 youths.
Minister Mikalou Sidibe, through the High Commissioner, commended AEEMB for its embodiment of faith, integrity, and sacrifice. Since its inception in 1985 within a school environment, AEEMB has made substantial contributions to development, as emphasized by the national president. Notable educational achievements include the establishment of the "La Conviction" school complex and an annual program of tutorials and mock exams.
In health and social services, AEEMB administers the Misbannour student residence, housing over 200 students, and has opened the Sakina Medical Center in Nagrin, with plans for an operating theater. The association is also recognized for its leadership in blood donation and was honored with the title of Knight of the National Order in 2008 for its civic engagement.
Hassan Moctar Gansonre, a speaker at the event, highlighted AEEMB's role as a national heritage worth preserving. The association serves as a convergence point for reconciling modernity and faith and is a training ground for a competent citizen elite. He emphasized AEEMB's function as a bridge between various Islamic perspectives and as a model of associative governance.
Moumini Traore, the municipal police commander of Leo, referred to these seminars as "qualitative training frameworks," crucial in addressing current security challenges. The government representative highlighted the balanced training as a defense against extremism, encouraging youth to be "engineers of social cohesion" and active supporters of the FDS and VDP.
National president Sada Kabore urged members to avoid complacency and to focus on adapting to digital challenges and enhancing the association's national resilience contribution. Abdoul Fadou Nignan, president of the Sissili Provincial General Council, lauded the launch, encouraging seminarians to embrace their structure's history to better "serve the homeland."
AEEMB is a founding member of the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina Faso (FAIB) and the Organization of Muslim Youth in West Africa (OJEMAO). The training seminars will continue at various provincial sites until March 26.