Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ouagadougou (Agenzia Fides) - To unite Caritas Sahel efforts addressing socio-political and food crises in the region, is the aim of a meeting opened on 19 February in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, attended by Caritas national branches of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal, which since 2007 have elaborated the " Caritas Sahel platform ".
According to a report sent to Fides, participants at the meeting, which will conclude on Saturday 23 February, include delegates for communications and emergency operations aiming to set up a regional communication system among the different Catholic aid organizations.
The meeting is set in the framework of Emergency Appeal 38/2012 known as "Project to reinforce Caritas capacity for preparation and global response to humanitarian emergency caused by crisis in Mali".
According to Caritas Burkina Executive Secretary Rev. Isidore Ouédraogo, the meeting aims to create a work-sharing plan for Caritas Sahel communications and emergency operators, so as to improve intervention capacity.
According to cautious estimates some 300.000 Malian displaced persons have found refuge in bordering countries. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/2/2013)
