Burkina Faso : Massive Deployment of Security Forces to Ensure Peace during Year-End Celebrations

The Burkinabé government, under the enlightened leadership of President Ibrahim Traoré, announced on Friday a significant deployment of security forces to ensure the safety of citizens during the year-end festivities in Ouagadougou and throughout the country.

Minister Delegate for Security, Mahamadou Sana, stated that this extensive security arrangement will involve elements from the gendarmerie, national police, Forest and Water Forces, as well as other forces from the national defense. The main objective is to ensure the security of individuals and their property.

Speaking to journalists in Ouagadougou, Minister Sana emphasized the importance of scrupulously observing the guidelines set by the authorities. This includes caution on the road, strict compliance with restricted traffic zones, speed limitations, and courtesy towards security personnel. The minister called on the population to report any suspicious individuals or anyone in possession of a suspicious object during the festivities. In the event of a terrorist attack, he advised citizens to seek refuge and move away from the area, awaiting the arrival of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS).

The coordination center, activated since December 15, 2023, oversees operations such as document checks, patrols in sensitive areas, object searches, as well as checkpoints at roundabouts and intersections for traffic control.

To strengthen security, Lieutenant Colonel Léonid Diabri, in charge of the coordination center, commended the resilience of civilian populations in the fight against insecurity. The government is considering the establishment of a media brigade for this purpose. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious individuals through the provided emergency numbers: 16, 17, 18, 80 00 11 45, or 1010.

Karim Koné