Ouagadougou: Participants in the 5th edition of the West African Caravan of the Global Convergence of Struggles for Land, Water and Peasant Seeds in West Africa (CGLTE-OA) made a symbolic stop at the Thomas Sankara Memorial in Ouagadougou on Monday to reaffirm their commitment to food sovereignty, the protection of natural resources, and the promotion of peasant agroecology.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, themed "Governance of natural resources and popular struggles in the face of global crises: what alternatives for peace, social cohesion and sustainable development?", seeks to bolster the advocacy of social movements against land grabbing, the commodification of natural resources, and threats to peasant seeds. Alassane Nakand, the focal point for CGLTE-OA, stressed the inseparable link between food sovereignty and land sovereignty, noting the choice of the Thomas Sankara Memorial as a reflection of the caravan participants' aspiration to draw inspiration from the ideals of sovereignty, social justice, and the emancipation championed by the Burkinab¨ revolutionary leader.
Nakand also highlighted the achievements of the national platform, which includes over 70 member organizations. These accomplishments consist of advocacy against land grabbing, contributions to the national agroecology development strategy, and initiatives supporting women and youth. He mentioned the submission of two strategic documents, the Green Booklet and a report summarizing the lessons learned from the 2023 caravan, to the Burkinabe authorities. Delegations from Mali, Mauritania, and Niger are participating in this stage to contribute to ongoing discussions.
Prosper Zemba, representing the Minister of State for Agriculture, affirmed that the government is using the sustainable management of natural resources as a means for food security and sustainable development. He referenced initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency, and the Agro-Pastoral and Fisheries Offensive.
The head of the Malian delegation, Achata Kon, expressed gratitude for the reception given to the caravan women and noted that this initiative will enable social movements to share their experiences ahead of the 17th World Social Forum, scheduled for August 4-8, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin. Following Ouagadougou, the caravan will proceed to Tenkodogo before heading to Togo and Benin for the international meeting of social movements.