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West African Viewpoints
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Interview with H.E. Luc Tiao, Ambassador of Burkina Faso
Floodings - a strong commitment of the Burkinan diaspora
The natural disaster that struck Burkina Faso on 1 September has further strengthened the bonds of solidarity between Burkinans. As soon as the disaster first started to unfold, people spontaneously took victims into their own homes until the government could step in and take charge. This solidarity was also to be seen among Burkinans living abroad. I can assure you that our compatriots living in France did not have to wait for the call for national and international solidarity – they immediately launched initiatives, both individually and through their respective associations.
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Interview with Mr. Mamadou Cissokho, ROPPA
"God is not a farmer"
Unfortunately today, it is almost impossible for a young person to take up farming. Credit rates are high, there is no long-term credit, and there are no youth support funds, as there are in many other parts of the world. You know, simply leaving a difficult situation, cannot be a solution. In my book, I simply say that there are no optimal conditions today for a young person to be attracted to employment in rural areas. ROPPA’s quest is to change all that.
> read on... |
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Interview with Mr. Augustin Sagna, Head of Zone Office IV
"The ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network"
It is true that in Guinea-Bissau and Guinea we knew what was going to happen. The question is to know how to respond to these crises. As ECOWAS member countries are not yet ready to give up some of their sovereignty to their regional organisation, we cannot intervene prior to the crises. It is a bit frustrating for an organisation like ours to have the signs of a red alert but no mandate to act. We hope that this can change in the future > read on...
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Interview with Mr. Hamza Ahmadou Cissé, Director of the UEMOA Commission President's Cabinet
"UEMOA and the Crisis"
The current crisis calls for a serious overhaul of our economic fundamentals. Our economies cannot function properly nor sustainably by excluding a growing part of the population, destroying natural resources, having blind confidence in the capacity of international markets to guarantee the population sufficient supply of food commodities and energy products at the best prices. > read on...
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Interview with Mr. Aliou Ibrahima, APESS Secretary-General
Building a Network of Livestock Professionals
The deep-seated changes of traditional pastoral systems require the ability to significantly adapt: demographic growth contributes to intensifying demand and exerts pressure on production capacities; unfair competition from imported meat (dumping) hinders local production’s competitiveness. Indeed, livestock breeders cannot meet these challenges individually; which is why APESS’ mission is so important. The livestock professionals’ strength will depend on their capacity to become mobilised within one powerful livestock movement. > read on…
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Interview with Mr. Michel Bolouvi, Journalist
Niger: Land of Transit
Despite the scope of migratory flows transiting through Niger, the phenomenon still scarcely generates any concern. “Travelling is not a crime”, and in this regard, Niger implements and complies with the ECOWAS provision in favour of the free movement of its nationals within its member countries. Niger has for a long time been a gateway for migrants heading for Maghreb countries, and now for Europe. However, Niger finds itself confronting the negative trends brought about by tougher border controls... >> read the interview
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Interview with Mr. Lionel Zinsou
The Impacts of the International Financial Crisis on West Africa
"It is true that the prevailing opinion is that the African economies are not very exposed and are thus “protected” from the after-effects. But no one anywhere is safe from the effects of a crisis of this scope. There are no isolated circumstances in such a serious situation." >> read the interview
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