🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
From military dreams to furniture making: Jacques Sawadogo's journey after losing his sight
via Lefaso.net6 min read
Jacques Sawadogo, a 26-year-old from Kaya, Burkina Faso, lost his sight in a mining accident in July 2023, an event that drastically altered his life's trajectory. After failing his BEPC exam in 2018, Sawadogo, whose childhood dream was to join the military, began working in mining sites in Côte d'Ivoire and later in Zorgho, Burkina Faso, against his mother's wishes. While working as a "tamper," placing explosives, a premature explosion caused him to lose his vision, his left little finger, and fingernail matrices. Following the accident, Sawadogo was hospitalized for two months, enduring intense pain and suicidal thoughts. However, with the support of friends and family, he found the strength to persevere. In February 2024, he joined an association for the visually impaired, where he learned Braille and then underwent a four-month training program. Since January 2025, he has been making slatted beds, chairs, and tables, an activity that provides his daily income despite the challenges posed by his visual impairment and finger injuries. Sawadogo views his new profession as a testament to his resilience. He advises young people against abandoning school and warns them about the dangers of artisanal mining, expressing regret over his own past choices. Though he never fulfilled his dream of wearing a military uniform, Sawadogo now faces a different kind of battle, demonstrating the spirit of a true warrior.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Lefaso.net.
Former President of Senegal, Macky Sall, presented his strategy for the United Nations Secretary-General position to the General Assembly on April 22, 2026. Sall, a candidate to succeed Antonio Guterres, emphasized his commitment to restoring trust, easing tensions, reducing divisions, and renewing hope in collective action. He stated that trust is built through consistency, justice, and equity. Sall highlighted his 40 years of public service experience, from junior official to President, including roles as President of the National Assembly and Prime Minister, as foundational for fostering dialogue, listening, and consultation among all members to ensure the organization serves everyone. He stressed the importance of making inclusion and equity a reality, requiring mobilization from all member states. Sall aims to bring his extensive experience in exchanges with leaders in Africa, the G20, and other bilateral and multilateral forums, positioning himself as a bridge-builder between nations, cultures, and civilizations. He also pledged to work with member states on the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and to keep human rights at the core of the UN agenda, noting that human rights are universal and that the time for bold decisions has arrived. His candidacy, supported by Burundi, did not receive endorsement from the African Union. Sall was the last candidate to present before the General Assembly, following Rebeca Grynspan, Michelle Bachelet, and Rafael Grossi. The Secu
Must ReadThe President of Faso addressed the highway project, as reported on Thursday, April 23, 2026. This news comes amidst other political developments in Burkina Faso, including the launch of the "Revolutionary Youth on the Move" initiative by the Prime Minister, and the President of Faso's press conference on the first anniversary of the Popular Progressive Revolution proclamation. The President also announced the upcoming publication of the "Manifesto of the Revolution" and appointed members to the Board of Directors of the Farafina Institute of Black Peoples. Additionally, the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States presented its missions to the President of the Legislative Assembly of Transition.
A delegation of Afro-descendants, on an official visit to Burkina Faso, donated a batch of laptop computers to the Ziniaré Reference Professional Training Center on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The donation aims to support youth training and skill development. The Minister of Secondary, Technical, and Vocational Education, Professor Moumouni Zoungrana, received the donation and expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and beneficiaries. Dr. Arikana Chihombori, president of the ADDI institute, which facilitated the donation, presented a team of technology experts ready to assist in training and provide international standard certifications. The institute also plans to mobilize expertise from the diaspora globally to further support youth training. Minister Zoungrana praised their commitment to African development, inviting them to work together for the continent's emergence.
Burkina Faso is undergoing a significant digital transformation, aiming to modernize public administration and services, enhance local skills, and broaden technological access. The government's commitment is evident in the acquisition of two data centers and the stated ambition of the Minister of Digital Transition, Aminata Zerbo/Sabané, to develop AI tailored to local needs using national expertise. This initiative seeks to combat corruption, streamline public services, and secure procedures. However, the effective implementation of these measures faces challenges due to the digital divide and digital illiteracy among the population. The digital divide refers to inequalities in access to and use of information and communication technologies, while digital illiteracy describes the lack of knowledge and skills needed to utilize digital tools effectively. The PACT Digital project, funded by the World Bank and the Burkinabe state with over 98 billion FCFA, aims to accelerate digital transformation by expanding connectivity, digitizing public services, and developing digital skills. Despite significant progress in infrastructure, such as the operationalization of two data centers with substantial storage and processing capabilities, and the launch of numerous digital platforms for public services, the utility of these tools is not fully realized by the general population. Mobile phone penetration is high, but their use is often recreational rather than utilitarian. The government