OUAGADOUGOU — The Ministry of Security has issued a public advisory urging Burkinabè citizens seeking to meet with government authorities to contact the relevant protocol services directly, warning against the use of intermediaries who may attempt to extort money.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Ministry’s statement highlighted that individuals posing as close associates of certain authorities have been exploiting citizens by demanding payments in exchange for access or favors. The Ministry reminded the public that such actions are illegal and that those responsible, including their accomplices, will face the full extent of the law.
The Ministry emphasized that protocol services are the official and legitimate route for citizens to access government authorities. Additionally, the Ministry urged anyone who encounters such fraudulent activities to report them immediately to the provided hotline numbers: 1010, 16, 17, or 199.
The advisory was issued on August 19, 2024, by Commander Ahmed Ouédraogo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Security, on behalf of the Minister.