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04.11.2014 Burkina Faso

Canada suspends development assistance to the Government of Burkina Faso / Canada reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso

By Canada - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Canada suspends development assistance to the Government of Burkina Faso  Canada reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso
04.11.2014 LISTEN

OTTAWA, Canada, November 4, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- In response to recent developments in Burkina Faso, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced that Canada will immediately suspend development assistance funding provided directly to the Government of Burkina Faso and its institutions.

“Given the current climate, it is not possible to provide development assistance dollars directly to the Government of Burkina Faso and ensure they are spent effectively and as intended,” said Minister Paradis. “We stand with the people of Burkina Faso and urge those responsible to put the needs of the Burkina Faso people first. To this end, we are conducting an immediate assessment and review of all Canada's development assistance programs currently operating in the country.”

“Canada will suspend direct funding to the Government of Burkina Faso until we are satisfied that a legitimate and accountable civil authority has been re-established. We encourage all parties to quickly set out a timetable for a full return to democratically-elected authorities in line with the Constitution of Burkina Faso,” added Minister Paradis.

In 2014 Burkina Faso was confirmed as a country of focus for the Government of Canada's international development efforts.

The strategic direction of Canada's program in Burkina Faso is to help the country secure a future for children and youth, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

Quick Facts

• There is a long tradition of strong partnerships between Canadian and Burkina Faso civil society organizations. With Canada' support more than 20 Canadian organizations are delivering development projects in areas as diverse as agriculture, entrepreneurship, women's rights, technical professional training and health.

• Canada's support to the microfinance sector in Burkina Faso has contributed to a strengthened business environment, while also promoting the creation of financial centres for entrepreneurs, including those operating in the agriculture sector.

• Since 2006, Canada has been supporting Burkina Faso's education sector. As a result of the Canada's contribution, the number of classrooms at the primary level have increased by 36%, from 38,269 classrooms in 2009 to 52,008 in 2014.The enrolment rate increased by 9% overall, with a significant gain for girls (increasing from 71.2% in 2009 to 84.2% in 2014), and the primary school completion rate rose from 45.9% in 2009 to 59.5% in 2013. Management of the education system, access to education, especially among girls, and the quality of instruction are all improving.

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