Ouagadougou—The nationalization of the Commercial Bank of Burkina (BCB) and the 2024 Hajj preparations were prominent topics in local newspapers on Thursday. “The government nationalizes the BCB,” headlined the private newspaper Le Pays, reporting that the decision follows the Libyan partner’s refusal to finance the bank, opting only to pay its share of the action.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this nationalization aims to align BCB with banking regulations in the West African Monetary Union area to ensure better governance. The private daily, L’Observateur Paalga, noted that Burkina Faso denounced the agreement creating the bank on December 12, 2023, rendering previous provisions obsolete and allowing the country to redirect the institution. The state daily Sidwaya reported on the government council’s decision to nationalize the bank, emphasizing the intent to strengthen the financial institution’s governance.

The 2024 Hajj was another major topic. Le Pays highlighted warnings to “clandestine” pilgrims, defined as those with non-hajj visas, complicating the organizing committee’s work. The Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB) called on agencies and authorities to denounce this practice. L’Observateur Paalga reported on practical solutions and innovations proposed on May 22, 2024, including denying site access to pilgrims without hajj visas and using electronic bracelets to manage emergencies and healthcare.