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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Burkina Faso has added 12 new intermediate-level field epidemiologists to its public health workforce, bringing the total number of graduates to 59. These professionals will enhance disease surveillance, investigate outbreaks, and support health responses across the country. The Field Epidemiology Training Program FETP, established in 2016 following the West African Ebola tragedy, aims to bolster national capacities in epidemiological surveillance and emergency health management. The Minister of Health, Dr. Robert Lucien Jean Claude Kargougou, highlighted the program's strategic importance in addressing persistent epidemic threats and the re-emergence of diseases like Ebola in some African nations. The FETP employs a "One Health" approach, integrating human health with animal health, environmental, and defense sectors for coordinated emergency responses. The program received accreditation from the international TEPHINET network in 2025. The US Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Joann Lockard, reaffirmed her country's commitment to strengthening health security, noting over 15 years of support for national efforts in disease surveillance and epidemic response. The World Health Organization WHO, represented by Dr. Inès Da, also praised the program, especially its "One Health" approach, and pledged continued support to the Burkinabe government. Dr. Jules Valéry Bonzi, representing the graduates, emphasized their commitment to protecting the Burkinabe population and their readiness to i
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Must ReadThe President of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, was received by Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, in Ouagadougou on Thursday, July 16, 2026. This marks Youssouf's first official visit to Burkina Faso since taking office, signifying a key step in strengthening relations between the country and the continental organization. During the meeting, the African Union Commission President shared insights from his discussions with various sectoral departments. He commended Burkina Faso's current momentum, which he noted was evident in both statistical data and on-the-ground observations. Youssouf specifically praised the citizen mobilization efforts supporting endogenous development.