🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkina Faso strengthens epidemic response with 12 new field epidemiologists
via Lefaso.net4 min read
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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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 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.
Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire BBGCI announced its listing on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières 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 Côte d’Ivoire 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