Brahima Ouédraogo Vows to Revitalize the African Peer Review Mechanism in Burkina Faso

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Brahima Ouédraogo has officially taken office as the new permanent secretary of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), with a strong commitment to revitalizing the institution to reflect the aspirations of a resilient Burkina Faso dedicated to the principles of good governance.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinabè Abroad, Ouédraogo was installed by Secretary General Issa Boro, highlighting the new secretary’s dedication to fostering an environment of transparency and effective governance within the country.

Ouédraogo’s vision for the APRM includes a comprehensive plan aimed at institutional repositioning, updating the evaluation report, and instituting a robust mechanism for monitoring and evaluating recommendations. His appointment, celebrated on February 21, 2024, comes with the responsibility of embodying the values and expectations of Burkina Faso’s citizens towards achieving stable governance and reducing political instability risks.

Ambassador Issa Boro, in his address, urged Ouédraogo to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors, aiming to transform the APRM into a beacon of hope and a testament to the country’s commitment to good governance practices. The APRM, since its inception in 2003, has made significant strides under the interim guidance of Ninda Charles Guigma from 2017 to 2024, including Burkina Faso’s active participation in the APRM’s statutory bodies and the development of a repository of good governance practices identified within the nation.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Ouédraogo’s tenure will focus on continuing the consolidation of institutional reforms, enhancing the operational capabilities of the national APRM organs, and developing a comprehensive roadmap. This strategy is intended to align the APRM’s efforts with the ongoing overhaul of governance in Burkina Faso, in accordance with the principles and standards that define the review process.