For the last several months, Burkina Faso has been dealing with the suspension of political party activities, as well as other forms of political censorship. Public trust in government institutions has fallen considerably, with citizens citing a lack of transparency and accountability from government leaders and a disconnect between political decision-makers and the needs and priorities of citizens. In addition, the introduction of new laws used to target and silence activists and political enemies has had a chilling effect on free speech and public protest against the regime. As is often the case, Burkinabe youth find themselves among the populations most affected by this political volatility. 

Through its "Democracy Gnie Sira" program funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), NDI organized a youth academy to strengthen the leadership capacities of young people and promote inclusive civic participation. The Young Leaders Academy, held in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso's second-largest city) from May 20 to 24, 2024, brought together 30 young men and women to discuss themes ranging from political reform and youth participation in public affairs to security challenges and policies to combat violent extremism and gender-based violence. The academy curriculum sought to expose the participants to a wide variety of responsibilities in public affairs management and strengthen their capacity to serve as leaders in their communities. 

To complement the theoretical portion of the academy, participants were immersed in practical governance exercises by visiting Port-Sec, a dry port in Bobo-Dioulasso used to facilitate trade, transport, and logistics in the region. During their visit, participants spoke to the facility's director about business, trade, and entrepreneurship, explored opportunities for potential internships, and sought advice on how to set up a successful business as youth entrepreneurs. The excursion also served as a lesson in citizen-led economic development and its role in effective political participation.

Other activities during the five-day program included knowledge proficiency tests, engagement with local business and political leaders, daily report sessions that promoted self-governance techniques, and exchange sessions with mentors. Some of the overarching themes of these activities included: preparation ensuring success, self-correction and mutual feedback, inclusivity, and the importance of being leaders in the community. These mentors reviewed the participant’s daily reports and gave constructive feedback while also committing to serve as a resource in the future. Each mentor will continue to support and advise the young participant they were paired with in the coming weeks and months as participants seek to act on the skills developed through the academy. 

Although the political situation in Burkina Faso remains in flux, the young participants expressed unbridled enthusiasm for the dialogue at the youth academy. Describing it as “more than a training program,” one participant claimed the activity  “was a golden opportunity to forge egalitarian and inclusive citizen participation in the management of public affairs.” Speaking about the success of the Youth Academy, the participant added the experience was “a catalyst in my determination to serve my community with integrity and innovation. I can't wait to put the knowledge I've gained into practice and launch my personal development project, which I hope will be a model of social progress.”

NDI-Burkina Faso will build on the success of the Bobo-Dioulasso Academy through similar events planned for Tenkodogo and Ouagadougou in June and July. 

Author: Djamilat Sombie, Sr. Program Officer at NDI’s Burkina Faso office

NDI’s engagement with this program is implemented with the support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

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NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.