Djibo: Meeting on Saturday in Djibo as part of the second session of the Provincial Consultation Framework (CCP), stakeholders from the Soum province took stock of social cohesion, identified the main challenges that weaken living together and formulated recommendations in favor of peace, tolerance and the harmonious development of the province.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting, chaired by the Comrade High Commissioner of the province of Soum, Wend Nere Wilfried Tougma, brought together provincial directors, heads of service, heads of the Defense and Security Forces, municipal authorities, customary and religious authorities, as well as representatives of youth, women and the elderly. The event was organized under the theme "Social cohesion and living together in the province of Soum: current situation, challenges and prospects".
The proceedings featured a presentation from the NGO CARE, a partner who supported the organization of this session, followed by a presentation from the provincial director in charge of Family, Benjamin Hien, on the challenges of social cohesion in the current context of the province. At the start of the discussions, the High Commissioner invited all participants to speak freely about the factors that weaken the social fabric, in order to find consensual solutions that could strengthen living together.
Various interventions from representatives of customary and religious communities, young people, women, and the elderly led to a shared diagnosis of the situation. Participants acknowledged that the security and humanitarian crisis in the province has profoundly affected social relations, solidarity, and trust among the population.
The debates highlighted several challenges, including intolerance, stigmatization, discrimination based on religious, ethnic, or family considerations, as well as poverty, prejudice, and low population mobility. Participants also noted leadership challenges, particularly among young people, where rivalries and individual ambitions sometimes lead to divisions. They deplored the persistence of individualistic behaviors and practices that undermine mutual respect and the dignity of others.
To address these challenges, stakeholders advocated for increased awareness campaigns on forgiveness, tolerance, civic responsibility, and patriotism across all sectors of the province. They also recommended greater involvement of customary and religious authorities in conflict prevention and management, as well as the promotion of community-based activities aimed at strengthening ties of solidarity between populations.
At the end of the discussions, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to working towards a united province, where dialogue, tolerance, and social cohesion form the foundations of lasting peace and inclusive development.