馃嚙馃嚝Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkina Faso launches project to improve water and sanitation access for displaced and returning populations
via Lefaso.net3 min read
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
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Senegal faces significant internal divisions in both its political landscape and football administration. Politically, intense hostilities are observed between President Diomaye Faye and National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, the former Prime Minister, reportedly attempted to amend the constitution to limit the President's powers, particularly regarding the dissolution of the Assembly and control over political funds. The Constitutional Council rejected these amendments on procedural grounds, not on their merits. This move is seen as an effort by Sonko's Pastef party to counter President Faye, who is also building his own political base for the 2029 elections. In football, the Senegalese Football Federation is criticized for the national team's poor performance, including issues with coaching contracts and player bonuses. The Federation's attempt to blame the team doctor, who has served for ten years, drew strong condemnation from the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine, which demanded a public apology. These situations underscore a broader concern that national leaders are focused on internal power struggles rather than addressing critical issues like youth unemployment and the high cost of living, which continue to drive Senegalese youth to seek opportunities abroad.
Must ReadThe President of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, was received by Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ou茅draogo, 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.
Bridge Bank Group C么te d鈥橧voire BBGCI announced its listing on the Bourse R茅gionale des Valeurs Mobili猫res BRVM during a press conference in Ouagadougou on July 16, 2026. The operation involves selling 20% of the bank's capital, equating to 10 million shares, for a total of 67.5 billion CFA francs. The indicative share price is set at 6,750 CFA francs. The subscription period for both individual and institutional investors runs from July 20 to August 6, 2026, with the first listing on the BRVM expected in September 2026. Bridge Securities, BBGCI's brokerage subsidiary, will assist subscribers. This initial public offering aims to finance the group's growth and is not a divestment by historical shareholders. The financial holding company Bridge Group West Africa BGWA will retain a majority stake of 52.7% post-IPO. The funds raised will strengthen the holding company's equity and support the group's strategic plan for 2026-2030, which focuses on regional expansion, enhanced financing for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises SMEs, and accelerated digital transformation. BBGCI, present in C么te d鈥橧voire since 2006 and Senegal since 2021, plans to enter the Burkinabe market and establish a presence in Guinea from 2027. The bank also emphasizes its digital transformation efforts, including a successful core banking system migration in March 2025. The decision to go public is supported by strong financial performance, with a net profit of 27.2 billion CFA francs in 2025, a 19% increase