Burkina Faso Regional Program BI-WEEKLY REPORT Sept 26-Oct 9, 2020

The program focuses on the Nord, Sahel, and Est regions, where communities are affected by terrorist threats and attacks. In the Nord region, a town hosts a large community of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled violence in surrounding areas. The demand for identity documents has significantly increased among residents and IDPs, with IDPs struggling to obtain birth certificates and/or ID cards necessary for movement, job opportunities, and social welfare support. The local police office can only provide ID card services to approximately 300 people daily, while the demand exceeds 500. To address this, BFRP supported the mayor's office to issue 2,000 birth certificates and facilitated registration and delivery of ID cards to 10,000 people. The ID document distribution campaign began on September 17, with ID card delivery starting on October 8 and continuing through October 26. In the Est region, communes are affected by attacks and threats from terrorist groups, leading to isolation due to reduced access to transportation. To encourage young leaders to promote peace and stability, BFRP worked with a local organization to prepare a forum for 35 young leaders. Participants were selected based on their influence and commitment to promoting peace and social stability in the face of terrorist threats. Training materials were sent prior to the sessions, and discussions were led by phone. The forum, held from October 8 to 9, was a success, with participants affirming improved knowledge of the current national and local security context and their roles in fostering peace and stability. Initiatives such as raising awareness on countering violent extremism (CVE) and implementing income-generating activities were identified to reduce youth vulnerability to extremist group recruitment. The BFRP's efforts aim to promote peace and stability in vulnerable communities, addressing the root causes of insecurity and violence. By supporting the distribution of identity documents and engaging young leaders, the program seeks to empower communities to take ownership of their stability and security. The BFRP's activities are part of a broader campaign to deliver identity documents to vulnerable communities in the Nord, Sahel, and Est regions. The program's focus on community engagement and empowerment is critical in addressing the complex security challenges faced by Burkina Faso. By working with local organizations and communities, the BFRP can build trust and promote sustainable solutions to insecurity and violence. The program's innovative approaches, such as the youth leaders forum, demonstrate its commitment to finding effective and context-specific solutions to the challenges faced by the region.