🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Joseph Ki-Zerbo University launches Centre of Excellence for Habitat to address sustainable urbanization challenges
via Lefaso.net8 min read
On Monday, April 27, 2026, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Ouagadougou officially launched the Centre of Excellence for Habitat CEH with an international seminar at the Higher Institute of Population Sciences ISSP. This three-day event, running until April 29, aims to establish a framework for sustainable habitat governance in the sub-regional area. The opening ceremony was led by university president Professor Antoine Béré, who also officially installed Dr. Moussa Bougma as the first director of the CEH. The seminar's theme, "Anchoring the Centre of Excellence for Habitat in a sustainable institutional, partnership, and territorial dynamic," underscores its role as a strategic tool for research, expertise, and action in response to increasing urbanization challenges. The CEH was officially created by decree on May 30, 2025, by the government of Burkina Faso, with technical and institutional support from the UEMOA Commission and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme UN-Habitat. Professor Béré emphasized that the CEH is crucial for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, stating that habitat is more than just construction. Yombi Ouédraogo, representing the director of the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Africa, affirmed UN-Habitat's long-term commitment to the center, highlighting its origin in a 2020 initiative for affordable housing, supported by the World Bank and the UEMOA Commission. Dr. Bougma outlined the CEH's plans to develop a training catalo
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Must ReadMali's Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, declared that the fight for the nation's dignity and honor is non-negotiable and will continue until terrorism is eradicated and a "Mali Kura" is built. This statement followed coordinated attacks on April 25, 2026, which led to a national mourning period for General Sadio Camara and other victims. The Prime Minister condemned these attacks as attempts to instill fear, weaken national cohesion, and destabilize state institutions, but asserted that these efforts failed due to the population's resilience and increased collective engagement. He emphasized the need to learn from the April 25 incidents, reinforce successful strategies, and implement necessary corrections for improved security. Prime Minister Maïga praised the Malian Armed Forces for their professional response, which neutralized numerous assailants across the country. He also highlighted General Sadio Camara's spirit of defending the homeland and called for national unity, vigilance, and continued efforts to achieve total eradication of terrorism and build a stable and sovereign Mali.
Nutritionist Issa Nacanabo explains that drastic diets, also known as draconian diets, involve a sudden and excessive reduction in caloric intake by eliminating certain food groups. When calories are drastically reduced, the body initially uses carbohydrate reserves, then fat, and finally protein. In drastic diets, the body often lacks carbohydrates, leading it to conserve fat and utilize protein. This results in rapid weight loss, which is primarily due to the loss of water and muscle, not fat. Nacanabo warns that this often leads to a "yo-yo effect," where individuals regain more weight than they lost, as the body stores nutrients in anticipation of future restrictions. Long-term effects of drastic diets include chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, bulimia, nutritional deficiencies iron, B12, D, calcium, magnesium, hair loss, cardiovascular risks, food obsession, and loss of self-confidence. For women, menstrual disorders can also occur. These diets can also trigger eating disorders, such as compulsive eating and uncontrolled cravings, because the brain resists deprivation. For sustainable weight loss, Nacanabo recommends a healthy and balanced eating strategy, including sufficient protein and fiber, combined with rigorous physical activity and adequate sleep. These habits should be integrated into one's lifestyle rather than adopted temporarily. He emphasizes that exercise alone is insufficient for weight loss, and a healthy rate of weight loss is 2 to 4 kilograms per mon
Must ReadMali's Prime Minister, Abdoulaye Maïga, accompanied by the President of the National Transition Council, Malick Diaw, visited victims of the April 25, 2026 attacks at the Pr Bocar Sidy Sall University Hospital on Monday, April 27. The Prime Minister inquired about the health of patients in various departments, including intensive care and traumatology. He condemned the terrorist acts and praised the healthcare staff's professionalism and commitment. Prime Minister Maïga noted that most of the injured have returned home, while those with more serious conditions continue to receive appropriate care. He also announced support measures, including temporary shelters for individuals whose homes were damaged. He called for calm and urged the population to strictly follow security instructions, reaffirming the authorities' determination to combat the terrorist threat.
The Minister of State for War and Patriotic Defense, General Célestin Simporé, visited the Training and Development Center and the Samendéni hydro-agricultural dam on January 26, 2026. The visit aimed to support the ongoing sylvo-agro-pastoral offensive for food sovereignty. During his mission, General Simporé met with instructors and recruits from the National Service for Development SND, who are currently mobilized to strengthen the agricultural workforce. The visit highlighted concrete results, including the development of 40 hectares for cereal production, the growth of fish farming in floating cages, and market gardening activities. In line with the vision of the President of Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, the Minister of State encouraged local actors and reaffirmed the government's commitment to diversifying agricultural techniques. He emphasized the national ambition to achieve food self-sufficiency through enhanced support for productive initiatives.