Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Calls for Public Vigilance Against TerrorismMinistry of Security Issues Guidelines to Citizens in Anti-Terrorism EffortBurkina Faso Security Minister Reports Significant Damage to Terrorist Groups Over the Weekend

OUAGADOUGOU – In a national television address on Monday evening, Burkina Faso’s Minister Delegate in charge of security, Mahamadou Sana, urged the population to actively contribute to the nation’s security by reporting suspicious individuals and objects.

According to Burkina Information Agency, This appeal came in the wake of several coordinated terrorist attacks across various regions of the country. Minister Sana emphasized the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with security forces to enhance the collective fight against terrorism.

“From now on, we must necessarily participate in co-production in terms of security through the denunciations of suspicious individuals and the reporting of suspicious objects,” Sana stated, highlighting the need for community involvement in identifying potential threats. He also pointed out the behavior of individuals who isolate themselves and avoid interaction with neighbors as potentially suspicious.

Furthermore, Sana warned against any form of support for terrorist activities, whether passive or active, including the transportation of logistics or financing of actions, noting that such support is punishable by law. He commended the effective collaboration between the fighting forces and citizen watch groups, which has led to the arrest of suspicious individuals and the initiation of legal proceedings. The minister stressed that cutting off the financing and supply lines of terrorists, which often originate from cities, is crucial to combating terrorism effectively.

OUAGADOUGOU – The ministry responsible for Territorial Administration and Security has issued new guidelines for citizens to aid in the fight against terrorism. On Tuesday, Minister Émile Zerbo, in a press release, emphasized the need for public vigilance in light of recent victories by combat forces in operational theaters. These successes, according to Zerbo, have prompted terrorists to adopt various deceptive tactics to execute attacks.

According to Burkina Information Agency, citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the Defense and Security Forces (FDS). The guidance includes watching for signs such as the prolonged presence of individuals near sensitive sites, unexplained nervousness, sudden behavioral changes within communities, the seclusion of occupants in heavily fortified residences, unauthorized photography of strategic locations, unidentified objects or packages, and suspicious vehicle movements around key installations.

Minister Zerbo expressed confidence that unity and collaboration with the FDS are crucial for achieving a decisive victory against terrorism. He extended gratitude towards the citizens for their ongoing cooperation and urged them to utilize designated hotlines—1010, 16, and 17—for alerts and reports. The ministry’s call to action underscores the government’s proactive stance in engaging the public as essential partners in national security efforts.

Ouagadougou – Burkina Faso’s Minister Delegate for Security, Mahamadou Sana, announced on Monday that terrorist groups responsible for simultaneous attacks over the weekend incurred “enormous human and material damage.” The minister’s statement came during a national television address, emphasizing the effectiveness of the country’s defense forces in repelling the assaults.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the coordinated attacks across the nation were met with a robust response from the military, bolstered by air support, resulting in significant losses for the attackers. The minister stressed the continued strength of Burkina Faso’s defense positions and outlined plans to further reinforce them, underscoring the government’s commitment to a strong defensive stance against any future terrorist attempts.

The weekend’s violence included a terrorist attack on the Catholic community of Essakane-Village, leaving 15 worshippers dead and two injured, as reported by the diocese of Dori. Additionally, an assault on a mosque in Natiaboani in the Eastern region resulted in 14 fatalities, including the grand imam, according to a statement from the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina (FAIB).

Minister Sana condemned these attacks as desperate acts by weakened adversaries attempting to assert their presence. He highlighted the successes of Burkina Faso’s security forces in destroying enemy bases, training camps, and disrupting funding and supply networks throughout 2023, actions that have significantly undermined terrorist capabilities.

The minister’s message to the enemy was clear: the Burkinabe people remain resolute and determined to defend their homeland against any form of aggression. He called for continued calm and collaboration between the public and the Fighting Forces to maintain security and peace.