OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Emile Zerbo, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Security, called on governors of Burkina Faso’s thirteen regions to intensify their efforts for more effective results in 2024, focusing on a more efficient administration and crisis resolution. The minister’s address took place during a meeting with the governors on Tuesday in Ouagadougou, highlighting the urgent need for tangible outcomes in the ongoing fight against national challenges.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the key priorities for 2024 include combating insecurity in all its forms, continuing the reforms initiated in 2023, and innovating and modernizing working methods and tools. He emphasized the need for a more efficient administration, which includes tackling issues such as corruption and administrative delays in file processing. Zerbo encouraged the governors to be vigilant, stating, “To do this, you must raise awareness, reprimand and even repress the erring agents according to their errors.”
He acknowledged the difficulties faced but stressed that these should not deter the governors from their mission of effectively and resiliently rebuilding the country. Zerbo pointed out the persistence of dysfunctions that must be addressed consistently with the directives of the Head of State. He expressed concern over the late execution of instructions and the lack of responses to certain directives, calling for a correction of this laxity.
Regarding the status of non-resident administrative district heads (CCA) and those in default, the minister noted that some had not yet responded to instructions, indicating a degree of complacency, especially in exaggerated cases. He reminded that security conditions should not prevent proactive actions and responsiveness to the needs of the population.
Issouf Ouédraogo, the governor of the Center-North region and spokesperson for the governors, expressed that the meeting would help better implement the guidelines and instructions on the ground. He highlighted the challenges in collaboration between the administrative authorities and the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), emphasizing the need for clarity in roles for effective mission accomplishment.
Addressing the security situation in the Northern region, Governor Ouédraogo admitted that the situation remains complicated, particularly in the province of Loroum, which is isolated from the rest of the region. However, with the assistance of the FDS and VDP (Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland), efforts are being made to reconquer the territory and ensure the mobility of people and goods. He also mentioned the creation of a Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) in Titao, which will be operational soon, aiming to fully reconquer the territory.