🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkina Faso launches "Deme Sira" digital platform to enhance national solidarity
via Lefaso.net2 min read
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
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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
Must ReadThe President of the Republic of Benin, Romuald Wadagni, arrived in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for a friendship and working visit. He was welcomed at Ouagadougou International Airport by the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Following national anthems and military honors, the two heads of state held a private meeting in the VIP lounge before proceeding to the Koulouba Presidential Palace for a scheduled working session.
The ECOFI judicial division of the Ouaga I High Court held a session from May 18 to May 29, 2026, dedicated to economic and financial offenses. During this session, 14 cases involving 47 defendants were judged. Among the cases examined was that of Mr. BOA Jacques, a stomatology-maxillofacial surgery specialist at the Fada-N'Gourma Regional University Hospital Center, who was filmed by KORAG cameras. He was prosecuted for malfeasance and fraud. The court acquitted him of fraud but found him guilty of malfeasance. He was sentenced to a 12-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 2 million FCFA. The public prosecutor immediately appealed this decision. The prosecutor took this opportunity to reiterate the strict adherence to professional duties required of public officials and thanked all actors in the penal chain who contributed to the session.
Must ReadBenin's President Romuald Wadagni made an official visit to Niger, where he was welcomed at the airport and then escorted to the presidential palace. He held a private meeting with Nigerien President General Abdourahamane Tiani, followed by an expanded working session that included both delegations.