Houet: The national gendarmerie has officially replaced the police in Pad©ma, as announced during a handover ceremony at the town hall's reception hall.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the municipal authorities of Pad©ma have called on the local population to support the gendarmerie in its mission, following the official transition from the National Police to the National Gendarmerie, which took place on July 10, 2026. This change is part of the national security system's framework aimed at maintaining stability in the commune, as stated by Dimitri Badalo, the president of the special delegation (PDS) of Pad©ma.

Badalo acknowledged the contributions of the National Police since its establishment in Pad©ma in 2006 and urged residents to welcome the gendarmerie positively, especially by sharing information that could aid in preventing and combating insecurity. Aboubakary Siribi©, the provincial director of the National Police in Houet, expressed gratitude towards local authorities and residents for their support during the police's tenure and commended outgoing commissioner, Police Captain Modeste Nonguierma, for his dedication to restoring peace since 2024.

Chief Warrant Officer Djibrilou Zina, the deputy commander of the Bobo-Dioulasso gendarmerie company, praised the National Police's efforts over the past two decades and urged public cooperation to enable the gendarmerie to effectively ensure the safety of people and property. Chief Warrant Officer Bakary Millogo, who has taken command of the Pad©ma territorial brigade, expressed gratitude to his superiors and committed to working closely with the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), and the local community.

This transition aligns with the government's policy to reorganize the national security network, involving the redeployment of the gendarmerie in rural areas and the police in urban centers.