Ziniare: The City of Naaba Oubri hosted, on Saturday, the National Meeting of Actors of the Festival of Solidarity (RNA-FESTISOL) in Burkina Faso, a forum for exchanges bringing together local groups from five regions.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting promoting solidarity brought together seven groups from diverse backgrounds across the country. Its objectives were to review the activities of the 2025 Solidarity Festival, encourage the sharing of experiences, identify common challenges, and strengthen the capacities of the organizations involved.
The Solidarity Festival, launched internationally over twenty years ago, is a platform for promoting solidarity, civic engagement, and social justice. In Burkina Faso, it has been led since November 2017 by the Zoodo Action and Solidarity Network (ReZAS), a large network encompassing more than 80 associations active in the fields of citizenship, the social and solidarity economy, human rights, and community development.
According to Wendpagnagde Simpore, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ReZAS and National Coordinator of FESTISOL, the national meeting is a key moment in the process. 'The RNA-FESTISOL also marks the 9th edition of FESTISOL in Burkina Faso. It provides a framework for taking stock, strengthening the capacities of stakeholders on issues related to the theme, and preparing for the 2026 edition,' he stated.
Under the theme 'Environment and Peoples' Rights,' this edition takes place within a global context marked by climate change as well as environmental, security, and humanitarian crises. For the organizers, the activity addresses a major public interest by contributing to raising awareness, civic education, and mobilizing populations to address environmental and social challenges.
FESTISOL currently operates in five regions of Burkina Faso, through local collectives composed of several associations. According to Yabre Gaetan Nassa, the project manager at ReZAS, national coordination plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the actions. "Before each edition, we organize a harmonization meeting to ensure a common understanding of the activities and consistent implementation on the ground," he explained.
He also praised the results achieved during the 2025 edition. 'Five regions and eight provinces were covered. More than 3,000 people were directly impacted by the theme of Environment and Peoples' Rights,' he stated.
On the ground, local groups are working closely with communities. Assata Guessongo, a member of the Lagamtaba collective in Koupela, in the Nakambe region, highlighted the impact of awareness campaigns. 'Through educational talks and screenings of documentaries, particularly on agribusiness and the fight against plastic bags, we are seeing strong community engagement and gradual changes in behavior,' she explained.
Through this national meeting, FESTISOL stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to active and civic solidarity, serving the well-being of communities.