For the community of Bodana, situated on the border of Burkina Faso and C?te d¡¯Ivoire in West Africa, water is more than a vital resource¡ªit is a lifeline for unity. By sharing access to water, neighbors are actively strengthening social ties across the divide.
In Bodana, neighborhoods are spread far apart. While some have boreholes and standpipes, others still lack developed water sources, making shared access essential.
Sivi Tchssona, 50, manages a water pump that serves her wider community.
Photo above: Bodana village, Djoro region, near the Burkina Faso-Cote d'Ivoire border. Credit: UNICEF Burkina Faso Photo below: Sivi Tchossona manages the water point in Bodana. Credit: UNICEF Burkina Faso
Sivi TchssonaManager of water point at BodanaWhen we had only one water pump, we managed and had no clashes. Installing this new pump has given us more strength.¡±
Fostering solidarity among communities
The spirit of solidarity extends far beyond water management. Bodana and its Ivorian counterpart, Koguienou, enjoy an extraordinary neighbourly relationship.
Here, young people and women organize socio-cultural and sports activities that literally blur the lines between the two countries, fostering a shared identity that supersedes the physical border.
Delivering services, delivering peace
The UN Peacebuilding Fund-supported initiative transforms lives by coupling social cohesion with essential services. Through the construction of eight water facilities, roughly 18,000 people now have access to safe drinking water¡ªeasing pressure on resources and reducing waterborne diseases. Furthermore, the initiative has mobilized nearly 1,500 young people through 39 youth peace ambassador clubs and strengthened social centers to provide critical care for over 800 child survivors of violence.
Nouf¨¦ Bofit¨¦, President of the Bodana Youth AssociationWhen we play football, one goal is in C?te d¡¯Ivoire, the other is in Burkina Faso. There are no problems between us. If you are new here and we don¡¯t tell you that we come from different countries, you wouldn¡¯t know.¡±
Robert Komate, President of the Koguienou Youth AssociationTwo hands wash each other. We eat with the right hand, but if the left hand isn¡¯t there, you can¡¯t clean the right hand. We can only help one another, as human beings, to build development around this border.¡±
Our partners in peacebuilding in West Africa
For 20 years, the UN Secretary-General¡¯s Peacebuilding Fund has empowered people to rebuild their communities and countries in the aftermath of conflict and crisis, working with them to build the resilience needed to prevent the recurrence of violence and secure lasting peace.
Implemented by and the , with backing from the Peacebuilding Fund, the cross-border initiative in Burkina Faso and C?te d¡¯Ivoire expands access to essential social services, strengthens child protection, and empowers young people and women to lead local peace efforts.
UN Peacebuilding initiatives are made possible by the generous contributions of Member States and the indispensable support of implementing partners.