A forum to strengthen collaboration between the FDS and social classes in the Northern region

In order to consolidate collaboration between local communities, authorities and the defense and security forces (FDS), a consortium of NGOs organized a regional forum to discuss the issue of social cohesion with a view to a return to peace in Burkina Faso. The ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 in Ouahigouya.This regional forum in the North is an initiative of the Réseau Afrique Jeunesse (RAJ), in partnership with the Regional Council of Sahel Unions (CRUS) and the National Federation of Naam Groups (FNGN-Ouahigouya).According to the organizers, the forum is part of the implementation of the project "All together! Rebuilding social cohesion through the prevention of radicalization and the promotion of intra and intercommunity dialogue, as well as the resilience of pastoralists in the North and Sahel regions. "For the coordinator of the Africa Youth Network, Daniel Da Hien, "the meeting organized on collaboration between local communities, authorities and defense and security forces has the main objective of strengthening social cohesion between the different social classes of the Northern region in order to prevent radicalization and violent extremism. We invite all participants to frank discussions so that, together, we can find solutions for the return of peace in our country."The participants - civilians, military, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of civil society organizations - all had frank discussions on the mechanisms for strengthening collaboration between the different social strata in order to promote the return of peace.The Emir of Bonsomnoré, speaking, first greeted the organizers for holding the forum."This framework for direct exchanges is welcome. It is an opportunity to discuss with the different social classes in order to identify the problems that undermine society in order to find appropriate solutions together. The war has lasted too long and it is now necessary for the sons and daughters of the country to manage to understand each other, to sile nce their differences for the general interest. We invite the population, especially the youth, to a frank collaboration with the FDS. of the government for their fight for the return of peace to Burkina Faso," concluded the Emir of Bonsomnoré.The forum's work took the form of panels and communications. The panelists presented on the role of all actors in society in preventing violent extremism, the role of young people in effective collaboration between the FDS and different social groups, as well as on the practices of collaboration between the FDS and religious and customary communities.Athanase Fidèle Kaboré, project coordinator, said he was satisfied with the results of the work.'The participants took stock of civil-military collaboration and, above all, laid the foundations for a permanent dialogue, by issuing relevant resolutions and recommendations for strengthening social cohesion and living together, thus contributing to bringing peace to our dear homeland,' said Mr . Kaboré.Source: Burkina Information Agency