Mouhoun: The Governor of the Boucle du Mouhoun region, Babo Pierre Bassinga, chaired a tabletop simulation exercise of the national multi-risk plan for preparing and responding to disasters and humanitarian crises for the benefit of key actors involved in crisis management. This initiative is organized by SP/CONASUR with the financial support of the HYDROMET Project.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the tabletop simulation exercise aimed primarily to strengthen coordination between the various stakeholders, clarify roles and responsibilities, and test the effectiveness of response plans in the face of predefined scenarios. This activity is part of the Climate Resilience Strengthening Project in Burkina Faso (HYDROMET project), which aims to develop and improve the country's hydrometeorological, climate, and early warning services, making them more accessible to targeted sectors and communities.
The simulation allowed participants to familiarize themselves with procedures and improve their responsiveness in the event of a crisis. The event commenced with an introduction to the importance of preparedness for natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Governor Babo Pierre Bassinga emphasized the urgent necessity of reducing the effects of disasters and making disaster risk reduction a tangible reality, in line with the strategic orientations of the Sendai Framework for Action (2015-2030).
Bassinga highlighted that the government, through the National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation (CONASUR), has been advancing emergency preparedness and response actions since 2013 by developing contingency plans at national, regional, provincial, and municipal levels. He explained that the national contingency plan being simulated in D©dougou serves as a tool for preparation, anticipation, and advocacy for resource mobilization.
The governor also noted that the plan aims to unite the energies of all stakeholders involved in emergency management for optimal preparation and effective shock management. He welcomed the simulation exercise, viewing it as an opportunity for stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the institutional system and insights into emergency coordination, with the ultimate goal of saving lives and alleviating the suffering of vulnerable populations.
Soumala Zorome, the Permanent Secretary of the National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation (SP/CONASUR), described the plan as a critical component of Burkina Faso's national disaster prevention and management system. He explained that it involves national stakeholders identifying potential crises and shocks over a five-year period, assessing their frequency and impact on the population and the national economy.
Participants, grouped by intervention sector, engaged in discussions about actions to be taken in each scenario. These discussions highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of current systems, underscored the importance of smooth communication between stakeholders, identified gaps in existing protocols, and proposed concrete improvements. Recommendations included strengthening ongoing training for stakeholders and improving communications infrastructure.
Furthermore, the engagement of local authorities and non-governmental organizations was praised as a crucial element for effective crisis management. Following the tabletop simulation, activities are set to resume with a field simulation in the presence of government members and regional governors.
