Dedougou:Compassion International Burkina Faso (CIBF) has announced the launch of Operation Hope and Resilience aimed at supporting communities in the Bankui, Sourou, and Sirba regions affected by the security crisis. With a budget exceeding 605 million CFA francs and spanning 20 months, the initiative targets enhancing food security, living conditions, and community recovery.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch event in Dedougou was presided over by the Governor of the Bankui region, Babo Pierre Bassinga, and attended by various stakeholders, including administrative, religious, and military authorities. The program reflects CIBF's commitment to combat food insecurity and assist crisis-impacted populations, as highlighted by CIBF's National Director, Michel Sawadogo.

The operation, with a budget of 605,391,800 CFA francs, is designed to improve food security for 1,741 households and boost agricultural productivity and resilience for 892 producers. It also aims to provide quality education to 2,000 children across 19 Child and Youth Development Centers and enhance access to water, hygiene, and sanitation for 1,511 children. Additionally, 56 trainers will receive child protection and psychosocial support training.

Pastor Elie Dissan Kini, representing CIBF's partner churches, emphasized the alignment of the initiative with national human development and social protection priorities, noting past successes in food assistance and livelihood support. Governor Bassinga also highlighted the return of over 1.3 million internally displaced persons to their original localities and stressed the importance of sustainable measures to support these communities.

The initiative includes the distribution of approximately 300 tonnes of food to nearly 1,000 households, with a symbolic handover marking the launch. The Governor urged all stakeholders to ensure the program's success, aligning with the Burkinabe government's RELANCE 2026-2030 Plan.