Captain Traoré Issues Warning Against Financial Sabotage

TENKODOGO – In a firm address on Friday, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso’s Transitional Government, issued a stern warning against Ministry of Finance agents allegedly engaging in acts of sabotage against revenue collection efforts. This accusation comes in light of discontent among some agents over the government’s decision to withhold 25% of common funds, including bonuses, to support the fight against terrorism. Speaking in Tenkodogo during a joint commemoration of the national forum and the 167th edition of Women’s Day, Captain Traoré highlighted the necessity of patriotism and accountability among public servants.

According to Burkina Information Agency, while many agents have complied with the withholding measure to fund the Counter-Terrorism (Patriotic Support) Fund, a faction within the ministry has resorted to creating disruptions, such as network outages, to express their dissatisfaction. He cautioned that if such behaviors continue, the government might resort to more drastic measures, including the possibility of withholding 100% of the funds from the implicated parties. The President’s remarks were met with mixed reactions from the audience, including applause and whistles.

He further emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and warned that department heads failing to address misconduct among their ranks could face collective punishment. Captain Traoré’s message was clear: public servants, whether military or civilian, are expected to serve the people’s interests above their own. Those unwilling to align with this principle were advised to resign and seek opportunities in the private sector, as sabotage against state efforts would not be tolerated.