Burkina Faso and Benin strengthen cooperation for peace and development
via Lefaso.net2 min read
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso and Head of State, held a working session on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Koulouba palace with his Beninese counterpart, Romuald Wadagni, who was on an official visit to Burkina Faso. Following the meeting, the Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, read a joint communiqué. The communiqué highlighted that this visit marks a significant step in revitalizing and consolidating relations between Burkina Faso and Benin. The two leaders conducted an in-depth review of bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to building a partnership based on mutual trust, solidarity, and the search for concerted responses to common challenges. Security issues were a major focus of the discussions. Presidents Ibrahim Traoré and Romuald Wadagni emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, cross-border crime, and violent extremism. They reiterated their commitment to working together for peace, stability, and sustainable development in the West African region. Economically, the two Heads of State noted cooperation opportunities in trade, industry, vocational training, infrastructure, and logistics. They particularly highlighted the strategic role of the Port of Cotonou in supplying Burkina Faso and underscored the importance of smoother transport corridors. Both parties also agreed to accelerate the holding of the 5th session of the Joint Grand Commission of Cooperation and to finalize
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The Central Bank of West African States BCEAO announced that a fire occurred on Saturday, May 30, 2026, around 6 PM GMT, in an annex room of its main agency in Ouagadougou. The fire was quickly contained and brought under control thanks to the efforts of the Central Bank's security personnel and the prompt intervention of the National Brigade of Firefighters BNSP of Ouagadougou. The incident resulted in minor material damage but did not affect the operations of the Main Agency's services. The BCEAO extended its gratitude to the BNSP and other relevant state services for their professionalism and efficiency.
Must ReadBeninese President Romuald Wadagni visited Niamey on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for in-depth discussions with his Nigerien counterpart, General Abdourahamane Tiani. The two heads of state reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the security, economic, and cultural sectors. They also agreed to work towards removing obstacles to the reopening of the border between their two countries.
A project aimed at strengthening the sustainability and resilience of drinking water and sanitation services for displaced, returning, and humanitarian-affected populations in Burkina Faso was officially launched on June 2, 2026. The initiative seeks to enhance equitable access to these services for host, displaced, and returning communities in the Bankui, Yaadga, and Goulmou regions, benefiting approximately 97,000 individuals. These regions were selected because they account for 83% of urgent water, hygiene, and sanitation needs, experiencing intense demographic pressure due to the influx of internally displaced people caused by the country's ongoing security and humanitarian crisis. Implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with KWF and the Burkinabe government, the project, running from 2026 to 2029, includes the construction of 7 new simplified drinking water supply systems, 2 solar-powered multi-village systems, and the rehabilitation and extension of 6 existing multi-village systems. It also involves building 60 latrine blocks in schools and health centers, and establishing 2 sludge treatment stations. Dr. Chantal Umutoni, UNICEF Representative in Burkina Faso, emphasized that access to safe water and sanitation is a fundamental right and essential for health, dignity, and well-being. She stated that the project represents an investment in stability, dignity, and the future, contributing to community governance, women's and youth empowerment, and social cohesion. The Germ
Burkina Faso's Minister of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, Lieutenant-Colonel Pélagie Kaboré, officially launched the "Deme Sira" digital platform in Ouagadougou on June 2, 2026. This initiative, sponsored by the Minister in charge of Digital Transition Aminata Zerbo / Sabané, aims to modernize and strengthen the national social protection system through digital technology. According to Lieutenant-Colonel Pélagie Kaboré, the platform addresses an urgent need to transform social action in response to evolving vulnerabilities, as successive crises have exacerbated distress, requiring faster, more effective, and accessible intervention mechanisms. The "Deme Sira" platform is designed as a local tool allowing citizens to report vulnerability cases or request social assistance directly via a phone or connected device. The Minister emphasized the platform's innovations, including transparency, traceability of resources, and accountability, enabling real-time tracking of contributions from citizens, partners, or volunteers to monitor fund usage and beneficiaries. The platform also seeks to improve coordination among social sector actors, integrating statistics, monitoring tools, and a testimonial space for beneficiaries. While acknowledging challenges like digital illiteracy, the Minister announced future improvements, such as integrating national languages and AI-based solutions. Technically, "Deme Sira" uses a secure, nationally hosted digital architecture with data p