AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - Caritas launches the program of consolidation of democracy in view of the elections in October

Ouagadougou (Agenzia Fides) - The Church of Burkina Faso has launched the "project of consolidation of democracy and social cohesion (2015-2017)" run by OCADES, Caritas Burkina Faso. The project was presented yesterday, July 14, by His Exc. Mgr. Justin Kientega, Bishop of Ouahigouya and President of Caritas Burkina Faso.
"The start of the program takes place at a time when Burkina Faso is moving towards the presidential and legislative elections of 11 October", said the Bishop according to the note sent to Fides. "These elections will consecrate the return of the Country to constitutional order after the transition which occurred as a result of the popular uprising of 30 and 31 October 2014" that led to the escape of President Blaise Compaore.
The goals of the initiative are: to promote the education of young people to culture of peace and to safeguard the common good; mobilize communities for peaceful and transparent elections; strengthen social cohesion through the involvement of local leaders and the media.
The project includes, among other things, the training of 800 youth leaders of 2,000 educators on issues of peace-building, non-violence, citizenship, democracy. In addition, the training of 150 lawyers to assist the populations of the dioceses; the training of 200 media professionals on peace and social cohesion. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/07/2015)