Mineral resources rich economies in West Africa have been asked to deal with inequalities in the Extractive sector in order to prevent poverty and repel the growing violent extremism in the sub-region.
According to the proponents, policies relative to Extractive sector must be all encompassing and beneficial to all.
The call was made recently at a natural resources meeting held at Ouagadougu, Burkina Faso. The conference was put together by ORCADE, with Support from FORD Foundation through ISODEC. It brought together Civil Society Organizations, Public and Private sector workers and some selected interest groups. The meeting was opened by the Minister of Natural Resources and Mining.
In his remarks, the Executive Director the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) Mr. Samson Salifu Danse, urged civil society to work hard to influence the policies regarding the extractives sector of the country and the continent as a whole for the benefit of all.
Mr Danse said the meeting was focused on the extractive industry and the existing inequalities, violent extremism within the context of within the context of energy transition in Burkina Faso.
The conference was meant to build on an earlier Sub-regional Conference held in Ghana where the nexus between extractives and inequalities were explored to influence national and regional policies.
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He thanked the Minister representing the new government for making time to attend the meeting and encouraged them to always maintain the cordial relationship with civil society to help develop Burkina Faso for the ordinary citizen.
Dr. Moses Kambour, Executive Director, ORCADE noted that inequalities in the sector has led to increase in poverty level bringing violence and uprising in Burkina Faso and other countries in the sub region.
Dr Kambour said there is “the need to work together as Burkinabes and Africans to reduce the inequalities so as to prevent the violence extremism, maintain peace and therefore development of our country.”
He was of the view that the presence of the Minister to grace the programme indicated the willingness of government to work with CSOs and all citizens to make the nation better.
On his part, Mr .Jonas Hien, Programmes Manager of ORCADE implored the Minister to use his office to influence government strategies and policies for the extractives sector.
By: Mohammed Suleman/Publicagenda.news
