Ouahigouya Residents March for Increased Security in Yatenga

Ouahigouya – The city of Ouahigouya witnessed a significant demonstration on Monday, January 29, 2024, as its residents took to the streets to call for enhanced security measures in the Northern region, while also expressing their firm support for Burkina Faso’s transitional authorities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the march began early at the Place de la Nation, with men, women, and children carrying Burkina Faso flags and whistles. The demonstrators voiced a strong desire for more robust security actions in the province, citing a day-by-day deterioration of the security situation. Students even left their schools to join the demonstration. The march covered various key locations in the city, from the governorate to the Naaba Kiiba palace and the Zondoma camp.

A demonstrator highlighted the appreciation for the President of the Transition and the victories achieved by the fighting forces, but stressed the worsening situation in Yatenga. “We are requesting additional support in terms of weapons and the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) to help the fighting forces reclaim various villages,” the demonstrator stated.

Other demonstrators echoed similar concerns about the escalating tension in the region, noting the difficulty of traveling even a few kilometers from Ouahigouya without encountering attacks from armed terrorist groups. They referenced the recent attack on the VDP position in the village of Komsilga as evidence of the growing threat.

While reiterating their unwavering support for the Transition authorities, the demonstrators called for their message to be conveyed to the relevant authorities for the well-being of the region’s residents. The lack of media coverage by RTB2 led to some demonstrators vandalizing the premises of RTB 2/North. The damage included a ransacked vehicle, broken windows and lamps at the front entrance.