FBF mourns the loss of Mr. Moustapha Laabli Thiombiano

Friends of Burkina Faso (FBF) Board is saddened to share the news of the passing of media icon, celebrity as well as FBF Peace Award recipient Moustapha Laabli Thiombiano

Mr. Moustapha Laabli Thiombiano, CEO of Horizon FM, received FBF Peace Award in 2017 for his service in Burkina Faso since 1983 and contributions to the awareness of youth in the culture of peace. Through its program “Ca Va Ca Va Pas,” Horizon FM has contributed greatly to the appeasement of hearts and the culture of a spirit of tolerance, forgiveness, and peace in Burkina Faso.

When tensions rose in Burkina Faso, Mr. Thiombiano used the medium of radio to broadcast the need to maintain respectful language towards others. These communications softened hearts and cultivated a spirit of peace and reconciliation. He continued these efforts both on the radio and off, stressing that Burkina cannot grow without acceptance of others, the first step for the culture of peace. Horizon radio is listened to across Burkina Faso, in the depths of the villages, and also in other countries of the region. These messages of kinship were important for fostering a culture of peace and lowering tensions in Burkina Faso. 

Our sincere and deepest condolences to his family and to the media community in Burkina Faso. 

FBF Board

Jihadist Threat in Burkina Faso Village Schools

This is a pretty in-depth report  from International Business Times on scary reports of armed groups entering schools in the north of Burkina Faso  Be sure to read the whole article if you click. It may be a group of 30 people trying to stir up trouble, or it could be a stronger group with official al-Qaeda links. The West Africa director at Human Rights Watch says the Peuhl (or Fulani) look to be the target of recruiting attempts.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/burkina-fasos-new-jihadist-threat-sweeps-through-villages-targeting-schools-1604014

"Mon premier semaine" -- a tried and true PCV topic!

What makes a good PCV these days? Blogs, of course!

For those who have lived Peace Corps while in the internet age, blogs have become a great tool for virtual cultural exchange. On a whim, we found the "Daryland to Desert" blog from Ellie, and her September 2016 entry captures a lot of the feeling of being dropped off at site.

https://dairylandtodesert.com/2016/09/11/mon-premier-semaine/#more-133

Insider's Guide to Ouagadougou!

Here is a fun article from The Guardian, tracing Jérôme William Bationo's experience in the capital of Burkina Faso. Highlights include best building, homegrown talent, best food, street style, and of course . . . best Instagram! Read the article here!

FBF Peace Prize Laureate Mogho Naaba awarded The Gold Cross

366 people freshly decorated in the National Order on the evening of December 10 at the Palace of Kosyam. Among them FBF Peace Prize Laureate His Majesty MOGHO NABA Baongho and retired General Division Zagré Billa Gerard, elevated to the rank of Gold Cross, Burkina's highest award. Eleven people were elevated to the rank of Grand Officer, 44 to the rank of Commander, the rank of Officer 100 and 209 to the rank of Knight. 

Read more at lefaso.net...