Burkina Faso: Authorities suspend clandestine construction work at french ambassador’s residence

In Burkina Faso, the government has decided to halt unauthorized construction work on buildings and fuel storage facilities within the residence of the French ambassador in Ouagadougou, as reported by the Burkina Information Agency (AIB).Since 2023, the residence of the French ambassador has been hosting clandestine construction sites for buildings and a fuel depot.

According to the same source, in addition to the fuel depot, three blocks of R+1 buildings comprising 28 apartments have also been built.

Furthermore, the fuel depot has already received fuel delivered by Total. Following an investigation, the transitional government discovered the situation and decided to halt these works, which did not receive authorization from the competent authorities, and also to suspend fuel supply.

In the ongoing fight to reclaim national territory, the Burkinabe government has increased vigilance over all types of illicit and Clandestine activities. Diplomatic immunity does not give the green light for such circumstances.

Works and operations of this nature require authorization from the relevant authorities. However, the French embassy neither requested nor received a demolition permit, construction permit, nor authorization for fuel supply.

The companies responsible for carrying out these works since 2023 and Total Burkina were questioned at the end of April 2024. They all admitted that they did not verify the necessary authorizations before executing the various contracts.

Sadia Nyaoré