OUAGADOUGOU — The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is organizing, from June 19 to 23, in Tenkodogo, the second session of the academy for young leaders.
According to Burkina Information Agency, senior resident director of the NDI in Burkina Faso, around thirty young people are strengthening their leadership capacities. The initiative, supported by the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA), aims to equip young people with tools for the management of public affairs. Over five days, participants will familiarize themselves with themes such as leadership, democracy, good governance, citizenship, commitment, and personal development.
Called the Academy of Young Leaders, this session is part of the “Democracy Gniè Sira or the Path to Democratic Success” program, designed to strengthen democratic resilience during and after the transition in Burkina Faso. Adomayakpor explained that faced with challenges in education, health, employment, and development, the academy serves as a framework for learning and sharing experiences. He emphasized the importance of egalitarian and inclusive participation of citizens in public life for peace, justice, and development.
Adomayakpor highlighted the achievements of the NDI, including increased engagement of women and young people in public life, democratic vitality following various transitions in Burkina Faso, and an active and committed civil society. However, he noted threats to social cohesion and democratic consolidation, including insecurity linked to violent extremism, health threats, political governance issues such as corruption and power grabs, and geostrategic threats like foreign influence and disinformation.
During the academy, experts will address violent extremism and policies implemented in Burkina Faso, providing participants with recommendations for their projects. Professor Martial Zongo, associate lecturer in public law at Thomas Sankara University, will give an inaugural lesson on governance and development in Burkina Faso. He will review 64 years of the country’s political, economic, and social governance, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of national programs.
Professor Zongo noted the challenges at the political level, particularly the agenda of returning to constitutional order. “This is a goal set aside. However, it is an imperative,” he said, emphasizing the link between development and good governance. “Periods of exceptional and transitional regimes in Burkina Faso have not seen much progress in terms of development,” he added.
Cheick Omar Yolé, a young independent worker from Fada N’Gourma, described the youth academy as an opportunity. “It’s a chance for us to come and learn,” he said. His project, the Djiguiya center, is a school for management in entrepreneurship, leadership, and development in the Eastern region. Emma Kibsa Korogho, a second-year master’s student in child protection and law, expects support from NDI for her project to raise awareness among women and young people in democratic and civic engagement.