Burkina Faso Regional Program Bi-Weekly Report

The program has 33 cleared activities totaling $1,125,744 and 49 activities pending totaling $358,982. Cohesion Caravan. BFRP facilitated a social cohesion caravan in the Sahel Region, gathering over 300 people, including 200 men and 100 women. The event included a meeting of local leaders and stakeholders, as well as cultural activities showcasing traditional culture and art from different ethnic groups. Authorities emphasized the importance of community members coming together to avoid divisions that would allow violent extremist organizations (VEOs) to expand their influence and space to operate. A female participant noted that the caravan was a successful way to dispel fear among community members, allowing them to have fun through cultural activities while discussing common issues. CVE Workshop for Youth in Sahel. BFRP collaborated with a local organization to hold a workshop for 60 young people, discussing how they can contribute to building peace and social cohesion. The youth discussed their roles and responsibilities in countering VEO messaging in a region where the radicalization of young people is a significant problem. Discussions covered security-related issues and the involvement of youth in finding a lasting solution to these issues. A youth representative expressed optimism after the meeting, stating that the workshop laid the foundation for actions to strengthen their ability to live together and return to peace. Security incidents in the Sahel Region have decreased significantly during the reporting period, particularly in Soum Province. Factors contributing to this decrease may be attributed to the current rainy season in Burkina Faso, which slows movement of VEOs, or to the lack of reporting on attacks by the media. However, violence has moved to Yagha Province, with increased recruitment efforts through religious sermons and school closures. In addition, attacks on military and forest ranger positions have increased in the Est Region. Other areas have also recorded some attacks, including the Centre Nord region around Barsalogho, the Centre Sud region in Po, and the Sud-Ouest region near Batie. The rainy season in Burkina Faso has slowed movement of VEOs, potentially contributing to the decrease in security incidents in the Sahel Region. However, violence has increased in other areas, including Yagha Province and the Est Region. The program continues to implement CVE programming in the Nord and Sahel regions, gathering context information in the Est region.