Burkina Treasury Moves to Curb 34 Billion FCFA Unpaid Checks

Ouagadougou: The Director General of the Treasury and Public Accounting, Bruno Raymond Bamouni, highlighted concerns over a staggering 34 billion CFA francs in unpaid checks issued to the State. He announced decisive measures aimed at reclaiming control and preventing financial misconduct by what he referred to as "financial delinquents."

According to Burkina Information Agency, Bamouni unveiled a significant policy change, effective October 1, 2025, which will prohibit the use of checks for public administration financial operations. These operations include tax collections, duties, and contributions owed to the State. Bamouni emphasized that checks have been misappropriated for personal gain, describing them as instruments of "delinquency" that undermine the State.

Bamouni cited a case where a single individual issued nearly 49 checks in just two months, all of which were returned unpaid. He explained that the ban aims to ensure immediate cash flow, reduce fraudulent activities, and encourage digital payment systems.

He clarified that while the ban pertains to state financial transactions, checks in general will not be banned in Burkina Faso. Furthermore, he affirmed the reliability of the "Treasury check," stating it remains unaffected by this new regulation.

In a stern message to those indebted to the State, Bamouni urged them to fulfill their obligations, warning that exploitation of the State would no longer be tolerated. He stressed the importance of recovering every franc owed to the State, as these funds are vital for the country's development and ending practices that have become financially exploitative.