Educational Continuity and Trade Regulation Dominate Sahel Regional Meeting

DORI: The Sahel Regional Consultation Framework (CCR) convened its third ordinary session of the year, with discussions centered on educational continuity and the regulation of the trade profession, alongside a review of UNICEF's actions in the region.According to Burkina Information Agency, the session, held in Dori, was an opportunity for regional stakeholders to address key challenges in education and trade. The CCR, established on April 22, 2010, serves as an informational and training platform for development actors, as explained by the governor of the Sahel region, Lieutenant-Colonel Fabien Rodolphe Sorgho. The framework aims to streamline various intervention strategies.Gervais Ouattara, head of the UNICEF office in Dori, outlined the organization's 2024 activities. UNICEF allocated approximately $2.5 million towards health, nutrition, education, water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH), child protection, and support for local programs.On educational matters, Boubacar Elhadji, the regional director o f preschool, primary, and non-formal education (DREPPNF), reported resilience in the education sector despite ongoing insecurity. In 2024, 186 schools and 31 secondary establishments remained operational, with success rates of 83.49% for the CEP, 64.06% for the BEP, 47.73% for the BEPC, and 62.01% for the baccalaureate.Kalfassoro Konaté, the regional director of trade, emphasized that the trader profession is regulated by law No. 013-2013/AN of May 7, 2013, which outlines the legal framework for traders in Burkina Faso.Wulfran Émilie Firmin Bamas, the High Commissioner of the province of Séno, expressed gratitude on behalf of CCR members to Lieutenant-Colonel Sorgho, who has been appointed to new responsibilities.