Burkina Faso Regional Program BI-WEEKLY REPORT January 18-31, 2020

Freedom to Move with National ID Campaign is a key initiative aimed at providing identity cards and birth certificates to marginalized communities. In collaboration with local authorities, BFRP has initiated a national ID campaign to provide official documentation to more than 30,000 people, free of charge. A recent campaign, conducted between January 20-31, resulted in over 9,500 people benefiting from new ID cards, exceeding the initial target of 4,500. This campaign is seen as a significant boost to local officials, demonstrating the government's commitment to providing key state services to the local population in high-risk areas. The campaign's success is attributed to the collaborative efforts between BFRP and local authorities. The initiative has not only provided essential documentation to marginalized communities but has also helped to alleviate frustrations related to access to key state services and freedom of movement. The campaign's impact is evident in the increased turnout of community members, including the elderly, women, and youth from different ethnic and religious groups. Community leaders delivered messages of social cohesion, theater groups entertained the crowd, and a local tournament was played to foster a united community in the face of ever-changing context. Soccer Tournaments for Social Cohesion is another initiative implemented by BFRP in collaboration with various communes in the Nord and Sahel regions. The tournament brought together well over 5,000 community members, raising awareness on social cohesion and creating an atmosphere for open discussion of the current security situation. The event saw a significant turnout by community members, including the elderly, women, and youth from different ethnic and religious groups. Community leaders delivered messages of social cohesion, theater groups entertained the crowd, and a local tournament was played to foster a united community. The success of these initiatives is evident in the establishment of a local council for social cohesion in the Nord region. The council engages community members in activities that promote social cohesion and improved interactions among the different ethnic and religious groups. Follow-up with local beneficiaries has shown significant increases in resiliency among the community, notably the consultation workshop between representatives of the different ethnic groups in the commune. As a result, locals have noted a sense of calm and safety, pointing to social activities, including wedding and traditional ceremonies, that can be carried out openly without fear of retribution. The Burkina Faso Regional Program's CVE programming has made significant strides in promoting social cohesion and improving interactions among the different ethnic and religious groups in the Nord, Sahel, and Est regions. The program's initiatives have helped to alleviate frustrations related to access to key state services and freedom of movement, and have fostered a sense of calm and safety among community members. The program's success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between BFRP and local authorities, and highlights the importance of community-led initiatives in promoting social cohesion and countering violent extremism.