Ouagadougou: The Mobile Brigade for Economic Control and Fraud Repression (BMCRF) announced on Friday in Ouagadougou the upcoming organization of the sale of more than 1,800 tons of shea kernels seized during operations to combat attempts at fraudulent export. The operation is intended exclusively for national processing units. The sale of the seized products will take place in Ouagadougou, at the BMCRF premises in Koulouba, and in Bobo-Dioulasso, at the Regional Directorate of Commerce.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the prices applied will be those set by the government for the 2025-2026 season: 310 CFA francs/kg in Ouagadougou and 300 or 310 CFA francs depending on the region. The value of the seized stocks is estimated at 558 million CFA francs. Sanibe Faho, the general coordinator of the BMCRF, mentioned that the strong international demand for raw almonds has strained the supply for local processors, despite a good harvest.
Mr. Faho stated that all proceeds will be donated to the Patriotic Support Fund, emphasizing the solidarity aspect of the initiative. To protect the sector, the government took several measures in 2024 and 2025, including the temporary suspension of exports, the establishment of an official export period, the requirement of permits for internal transport, and the regulated organization of collection.
Despite these measures, many traders and exporters have circumvented the regulations by attempting illicit exports to neighboring countries and transporting goods without the required documentation, the coordinator lamented. These violations led to the seizure of 1,800 tons of almonds, which were declared confiscated for the benefit of the State in accordance with the law.
The coordinator reiterated that the seizures targeted only traders and exporters in violation of regulations, and not the women collectors. He also emphasized the widespread dissemination of government measures, which were shared at a national meeting on September 22 and subsequently covered by national media.
Faced with persistent fraud, controls will be stepped up. Offenders risk having their goods and means of transport confiscated, as well as being sentenced to community service. Mr. Faho finally praised the commitment of the defense and security forces, customs, and water and forestry services in implementing the controls.