The crisis in Burkina Faso is one of the most neglected in the world. The African country is afflicted by a combination of negative factors: political instability, climate change, terrorism, and a lack of state governance over security.
In recent years, the needs of the population have grown, but the arrival of aid and the possibility of carrying out cooperation project activities have become increasingly complex. Instability and violence from jihadist groups have caused a progressive increase in internally displaced persons and refugees from neighboring states, especially Mali, organized in refugee camps. Additionally, in a country where 80% of the population relies on agriculture and livestock, climate change threatens the survival of millions of people.
For several years, the Piedmont Region, through regional programs for territorial partnerships and participation in AICS and European Union projects, has been a point of reference for the Burkinabè population. This collaboration, which involves Piedmontese NGOs (united in the COP Consortium), the coordination of municipalities for Peace, the University of Turin, and the Compagnia di San Paolo, has faced slowdowns due to an increasingly critical situation.
On June 18, at the Circolo dei Lettori in Turin, the first meeting of the renewed Burkina Faso Technical Table was held, aimed at sharing information and perspectives on the country and possible activities to promote within territorial partnerships, in order to start a process of orientation and support for Piedmontese entities still active in cooperation with Burkina Faso, facilitating the network work of operators with complementary skills.
In particular, after a brief presentation of the initiative by Dr. Gandolfi, Head of the International Relations and Cooperation area of the Piedmont Region, and a brief analysis of the current socio-political situation of the country, a discussion was opened to define priorities, objectives, and activities to strengthen existing territorial partnerships and develop new initiatives. All participants agreed that the Burkina Faso crisis cannot be addressed with a single solution: it is necessary to mobilize humanitarian funds combined with environmental and food security programs that take into account the role of women, silent victims of a crisis that impacts them with devastating effects. It was also discussed the need to communicate what is happening in the country to the Piedmontese territory, so that the most neglected crisis of our times receives the urgent attention it needs.
Bringing regional cooperation back to focus on Burkina Faso is an important step, and all the actors involved in the Table will certainly once again be protagonists of profitable meetings, exchanges, and aid.
The next meeting is scheduled for early September with ideas and projects!
