Burkina Faso: Launch of ASVOVIG, a new era of support for widows, orphans and war victims
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Ouagadougou, the Minister of State, Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, officially launched the activities of the Agency for the Support of Widows, Orphans, and War Victims (ASVOVIG). This initiative, spearheaded by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, embodies the nation’s recognition of those who have suffered the consequences of armed conflicts.
Established by Decree 2023-0506/PRES-TRANS, ASVOVIG is designed as a strategic and humanitarian response to coordinate interministerial efforts in favor of widows, orphans, and war victims (VOVIG). Through four major focus areas, the agency aims to transform their lives and restore their dignity.
Focus Area 1: Improved Care and Psychosocial Support
Starting in the first quarter of 2025, the agency will organize an inclusive conference to improve the care of widows and orphans. This event will analyze their current situation and propose suitable, consensual solutions.
Focus Area 2: Legal and Administrative Assistance
ASVOVIG will provide support in addressing administrative and legal issues for its beneficiaries. This includes securing the rights of heirs and tracking the progress of cases for soldiers wounded in action.
Focus Area 3: Professional Training and Reintegration
A crucial component of ASVOVIG is strengthening professional skills. The launch marks the beginning of training for nearly 200 widows and injured soldiers. Women will be trained in hairdressing, tailoring, soap-making, and cooking, while the injured will specialize in mechanics, office management, and poultry farming. These training programs, funded by the Professional Training and Apprenticeship Support Fund (FAFPA), will take place in centers established by the Go Paaga program.
Focus Area 4: Development of Strategic Partnerships
ASVOVIG aims to strengthen its partnerships with public and private institutions, NGOs, and international partners to sustain its actions. Minister of State, Brigadier General Célestin Simporé, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mobilizing the necessary resources to ensure the success of this agency. The beneficiaries, represented by Captain Thiombiano Y.F. Harold, praised the initiative, stating that it brings hope and recognition to those who have made significant sacrifices. ASVOVIG thus marks a major step forward in national solidarity and in addressing the human tragedies caused by conflicts.
