Tarzana FC won the final of the inaugural Peace Sports Week (Semaine sportive de la paix, de la refondation et de la cohésion sociale) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Stade régional de la Concorde de Diffa. The competition, which lasted for one week, culminated in Tarzana FC being crowned the first champion after a 1-0 victory over FC Douna in the Under-15 football final. This significant event was organized by ONG KOURI and received financial backing from the United Nations Development Programme (PNUD). The week-long competition also benefited from the technical support provided by the regional Directorate of Youth, Sports and Culture, along with various regional sports leagues. The manifestation formed part of the commemorative activities marking the third anniversary of the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) coming to power, further noting its importance within the regional calendar. The event provided a vital platform for community engagement and the promotion of shared values.
Event Details and Awards
The winning goal was scored in the final minutes of the match, securing Tarzana FC's decisive 1-0 victory in the Under-15 football final. This victory established Tarzana FC as the first champion of this newly established competition. Following the thrilling match, the Governor of the region presented the coveted trophy to the triumphant team. In addition to the prestigious trophy, a monetary reward, referred to as an "enveloppe de récompense," was given to the winner, acknowledging their achievement and hard work.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the organizers also focused on supporting the broader athletic community within the region. In a gesture aimed at fostering sports development, essential sports equipment was distributed to the eight regional sports leagues. These leagues represent a diverse array of athletic disciplines, including football, basketball, men's volleyball, women's volleyball, karate, judo, taekwondo, and kung-fu. The provision of equipment is intended to provide tangible support to these regional organizations, enabling them to continue and expand their activities, thereby benefiting numerous athletes and enthusiasts across Diffa. This initiative shows the commitment to strengthening the sports infrastructure and participation at a grassroots level.
Broader Program Context
The project implemented by ONG KOURI, with financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (PNUD), within the communes of Diffa and Bosso, is an integral part of the region's Integrated Development Program (PDI). This broader initiative has facilitated significant community engagement and infrastructure improvements, demonstrating a full approach to regional development. As part of these efforts, more than 3,000 individuals have benefited from site and road security operations conducted under the program. These actions are key for contributing to the stability and safety of the local environment for residents, addressing fundamental needs for peace and order.
In addition to security measures, the program has placed a strong emphasis on community education and awareness campaigns. Over 3,000 people received sensitization on the fundamental values of peace and social cohesion. This educational component is designed to foster greater unity, understanding, and mutual respect among the population, laying the groundwork for a more harmonious society. The work carried out specifically in the commune of Bosso has led to the successful creation of temporary employment opportunities for local youth and women. These efforts address both immediate economic needs by providing livelihoods and contribute significantly to long-term community development goals within the region, empowering vulnerable groups and strengthening local economies. The full nature of the PDI, supported by ONG KOURI and PNUD, notes a multi-faceted approach to improving the lives of the people in Diffa and Bosso.
Goals and Impact
The sports week served as a key platform for interaction, dialogue, and fostering closer ties among various segments of the population. This "semaine sportive" constituted a privileged framework for meeting, dialogue, and rapprochement among the different components of the population, showing its role in community building. Organizers emphasized the role of sports as a significant driver for development, health promotion, peacebuilding, and strengthening social cohesion. Général de Division Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma stated that "the practice of sports contributes to the good physical and mental health of youth, who are the spearhead of all development actions, peace consolidation, and the strengthening of social cohesion." The event showed how athletic participation positively impacts the well-being of young people, providing a foundation for broader community benefits. The belief that sport constitutes a powerful lever for development, health promotion, peace consolidation, and the strengthening of social cohesion guided the organization of this inaugural event, aiming to leave a lasting positive legacy in the Diffa region.