The Conseil de la Jeunesse de la Ville de Tahoua organized an intergenerational dialogue in Tahoua City on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The event convened various community members with the aim of strengthening discourse between generations. The dialogue focused on the theme of 'Strengthening intergenerational dialogue for inclusive governance and sustainable development of Tahoua City', addressing how different age groups can contribute to the city's progress. Participants discussed strategies to foster greater inclusion in local governance structures and to ensure development initiatives are sustainable for future generations. This key gathering showed the importance of collaborative efforts across different age demographics to achieve common goals for urban advancement. The discussions aimed to bridge generational perspectives, ensuring that both the wisdom of elders and the innovative spirit of youth are harnessed for the benefit of Tahoua City.
Governor's Vision for Unity
The intergenerational dialogue in Tahoua City took place under the high patronage of Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, the Governor of the Tahoua Region, and M. Sahabi Moussa, the Delegated Administrator of Tahoua City. Governor Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa congratulated the organizers, emphasizing that the nation's refoundation necessitates open communication, active listening, and collaborative efforts across all generations. He showed the distinct contributions each age group brings to society. His remarks noted the critical role of mutual understanding and cooperation in building a resilient and progressive community.
The Governor noted that elders contribute invaluable experience and wisdom, while younger generations offer dynamism, creativity, and innovative perspectives. He further stated that the youth are essential as a driving force for proposing new actions and for effecting societal transformation. Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa also expressed his readiness to support any recommendations that emerged from the meeting. This commitment signaled strong official backing for the outcomes and proposals generated during the dialogue. The Governor’s presence and active participation lent significant weight to the event, reinforcing its importance within the regional administration’s agenda. He stressed that by combining the strengths of all generations, Tahoua City could achieve unparalleled progress and foster a truly inclusive society.
On the sidelines of the dialogue, a collective prayer session was convened at the City Hall. This session included Qunut and Quranic recitation. Prayers were offered for the continued peace, security, prosperity, and stability across the national territory. This spiritual component showed a shared desire for well-being and harmony, reflecting the community’s collective aspirations beyond the immediate scope of governance discussions. The prayer session served as a moment of unity and reflection, reinforcing the communal spirit of the event.
Youth Council's Call to Action
M. Abdoussalam Aboubacar, President of the Youth Council of Tahoua City, expressed gratitude to the regional authorities and the partner organization Cercle Dev for their support in organizing the intergenerational dialogue. He noted the significant role of the event in fostering understanding and collaboration among different age groups within the city. Aboubacar emphasized that the youth of Tahoua are inheritors of a profound culture and extensive history, showing their connection to the region's past while looking towards its future. This acknowledgement of heritage served to ground the discussions in the rich traditions of Tahoua while also projecting a forward-looking vision.
The dialogue, according to M. Abdoussalam Aboubacar, is in alignment with the national Refoundation initiative led by Général d’Armée Abdourahamane Tiani. This connection suggests the local youth council's efforts are part of a broader national vision for renewal and development. This alignment signifies a concerted effort to integrate local initiatives with national strategic objectives, ensuring that grassroots efforts contribute to overarching national goals. Aboubacar outlined several key concerns for the city of Tahoua that the youth council aims to address through such dialogues and future actions. These concerns reflect the immediate and long-term needs of the city's population, particularly its younger demographic.
These concerns include improving education access and quality, increasing youth employment opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship among young people. He also cited the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture and livestock management, essential sectors for the region's economy. Security and social cohesion were listed as critical priorities, reflecting ongoing challenges and the need for community-based solutions. Addressing these issues, Aboubacar noted, requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration from all segments of society. The youth council aims to be a proactive force in developing and implementing solutions to these pressing challenges.
Further concerns mentioned by M. Abdoussalam Aboubacar encompassed migration issues, the preservation of cultural values, and enhancing citizen participation in governance processes. He concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of effective resource mobilization and the pursuit of sustainable development strategies to ensure Tahoua City's long-term prosperity. These full concerns highlight the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing Tahoua City, emphasizing the need for integrated and collaborative approaches. The youth council's agenda demonstrates a holistic understanding of urban development, linking social, economic, and cultural dimensions.
Community Leaders' Support
M. Sahabi Moussa, the Delegated Administrator of Tahoua City, extended a welcome to all participants gathered for the intergenerational dialogue. His address set the tone for discussions aimed at fostering collaboration within the community. The Chief of Canton of Tahoua also offered his commendation for the initiative, acknowledging its potential to bridge generational gaps and enhance local governance. This endorsement from traditional leadership noted the broad community backing for the event. The support from both administrative and traditional authorities showed the unified approach to addressing Tahoua City's development needs. Additionally, the Secretary General of the NGO Cercle Dev provided an overview of his organization, detailing its mission and activities. This presentation showed Cercle Dev's role as a key partner in facilitating such community-focused initiatives aimed at sustainable development and inclusive participation in Tahoua. Their involvement signifies the importance of civil society organizations in driving local development agendas.
Broader Implications and Goals
The intergenerational dialogue in Tahoua City seeks to enhance youth participation in local decision-making bodies, cultivate citizen leadership, and contribute to policy formulation processes. Conveners designed the initiative to establish a permanent framework for ongoing intergenerational dialogue. This framework aims to foster social cohesion and strengthen citizen participation within the community. Ultimately, the dialogue intends to promote inclusive governance and solidify a shared vision for Tahoua City's sustainable development. By creating such a framework, the organizers hope to ensure that the principles of intergenerational cooperation and inclusive decision-making become ingrained in the city's future development trajectory. This long-term vision emphasizes continuous engagement and collaboration as fundamental pillars for progress.