Fada n’gourma: The Governor of the Goulmou region, Ram Joseph Kafando, opened regional consultations in Fada N’Gourma as a prelude to the general assembly on decentralization. For 72 hours, local stakeholders will conduct a diagnosis of the decentralization process and formulate recommendations for its reform.
According to Burkina Information Agency, these consultations are described by Kafando as “a strategic opportunity to pause, question practices and propose reforms adapted to the socio-cultural, political and security realities” of the country. Kafando emphasized that while decentralization in Burkina Faso aims to bring administration closer to the population and promote grassroots development, there are still shortcomings in local democratic life, community project management, and community contributions to improving living conditions.
Alexandre Adoua, an executive at the General Directorate of Decentralization and Local Development and one of the communicators at the event, stated that the meetings aim to take stock of decentralization implementation in various communities. Four key themes will be explored: decentralization, devolution and the transfer of skills to local authorities; local governance and endogenous development; the territorial civil service; and financing decentralization.
Adoua highlighted that this initiative is part of the current authorities’ action plan for stabilization and development, aiming to build effective, resilient local governance rooted in local realities. Governor Kafando urged participants to engage in “frank, constructive and inclusive participation, in a spirit of patriotism, truth and innovation,” with the goal of making the recommendations from Fada N’Gourma effectively contribute to future national meetings on decentralization.