The Association Nodde Nooto (A2N) is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of events from October 30 to November 7, 2026. As part of this milestone, the organization hosted a partner forum on November 6, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The forum focused on the challenges of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in the context of forced displacement and population returns to secure areas. The event brought together development and humanitarian actors to discuss ways to strengthen social cohesion and prevent tensions between communities.
Founded in 1996 in Dori, Sahel region, A2N was created in response to the difficulties faced by rural populations due to structural adjustment programs, repeated droughts, and tensions over natural resources. The organization's name, which means "responding where we are called" in the Fulfulde language, reflects its commitment to supporting communities in addressing their challenges. Over the years, A2N has expanded its interventions from development to humanitarian action while maintaining its primary goal of improving living conditions for communities.
The partner forum featured a keynote address by Professor Alkassoum Maïga, a sociology professor at the University of Joseph Ki-Zerbo. He discussed the consequences of forced displacement and population returns on inter-community relations and the role of humanitarian actors in preserving social cohesion. Professor Maïga emphasized the need to promote mutual respect, social justice, and individual and collective responsibility to maintain peaceful coexistence.
According to Professor Maïga, the crisis and population movements can weaken social bonds, exacerbate inequalities, and test traditional solidarity mechanisms. He stressed the importance of considering the factors that can fuel frustrations and tensions between communities and promoting sociocultural values to consolidate social relations. The professor also called for a collective mobilization to preserve peaceful coexistence and advocated for a shift in humanitarian interventions towards approaches that foster resilience and community empowerment.
The forum also provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the risks of tensions that certain humanitarian interventions can inadvertently create, particularly when the needs and perceptions of different communities are not adequately considered. Participants emphasized the need for better coordination between humanitarian organizations, public authorities, and community structures to ensure effective and sustainable interventions.
As part of its 30th-anniversary celebrations, A2N has organized a solidarity initiative to support 200 vulnerable children, including 100 in Kaya and 100 in Dori, who will receive school kits. This gesture reflects the organization's commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of communities it serves. A2N's President, Clarisse Honadia Kambou, expressed her gratitude to the organization's founders, partners, and teams who have contributed to its success over the years.
The Association Nodde Nooto's 30th anniversary celebrations serve as a testament to its dedication to promoting social cohesion and community development in Burkina Faso. As the organization looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of supporting communities in addressing their challenges and improving their living conditions. Through its various initiatives and partnerships, A2N aims to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people it serves.
Key points
- Association Nodde Nooto marks 30 years of promoting social cohesion and community development in Burkina Faso.
