Gnagna: Local actors in Liptougou mobilized to strengthen social cohesion and the integration of internally displaced persons. The Liptougou municipal special delegation organized a consultation meeting in Bogande on Friday, bringing together local stakeholders to discuss collaboration between communities and local authorities for improved social cohesion. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of living together, peace, and the integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs), while also formulating recommendations to foster a more peaceful social climate.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting was chaired by the President of the special delegation (PDS) of the municipality of Liptougou, Sory Aboubacar Traore. It took place in the meeting room of the Bogande town hall in the presence of administrative, customary and religious authorities, representatives of civil society organizations as well as internally displaced persons. The Liptougou PDS welcomed the mobilization of the participants and stressed the need to consolidate the links between the different actors of the commune in order to preserve peace and living together. He stated that current security and humanitarian challenges make close collaboration between local authorities, host communities, and internally displaced persons essential.
The meeting featured two presentations by the Secretary General of the Gnagna province, Mendien dit Moussa Soma. The first presentation focused on the challenges of peace, religious tolerance, and non-discrimination, emphasizing the crucial role of each citizen in preserving social peace. Participants were reminded that the diversity of beliefs, cultures, and origins should be seen as an asset. The second presentation addressed the challenges of living together and social cohesion. Mr. Soma highlighted values of fraternity, solidarity, and collective responsibility as essential foundations for local development. He urged community stakeholders to strengthen both traditional and modern mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The discussions allowed participants to share their experiences on practices and behaviors that promote the integration of IDPs into host communities. Several speakers highlighted the efforts already made by local populations to support IDPs, while emphasizing the need to continue awareness-raising and solidarity initiatives. The participants formulated several recommendations, including strengthening community dialogue frameworks, increasing awareness-raising actions on peace and social cohesion, and promoting initiatives for the harmonious integration of IDPs.
In his closing remarks, the President of the Liptougou Special Delegation expressed gratitude to the participants for the quality of the discussions and their commitment to peace. He reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to continuing its efforts to strengthen social cohesion and consolidate the foundations for inclusive development that benefits all communities.