Koup©la: The first vice-president of the special delegation of the municipality of Koup©la, Fran§ois Xavier Nikiema, opened a workshop on Wednesday April 29, 2026, in Koup©la. The workshop aimed to facilitate exchanges between municipal police officers, local authorities, and representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) concerning the security situation and the terrorist threat.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative, organized by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility through the Directorate for Monitoring and Promoting Municipal Police (DSPPM), received support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The session is part of a broader series of activities designed to benefit municipal police forces across Burkina Faso. The theme focuses on fostering dialogue among municipal police officers, local authorities, and CSOs about security issues and terrorist threats.

Over the course of two days, participants will engage in discussions about the roles and missions of the municipal police, internal security forces, CSOs, communication on community policing, and the processing of information during crises. Augustine Oubda, the communal president of women, emphasized the importance of this dialogue, highlighting the need for communication between the public and the municipal police to prevent misunderstandings. She urged for a shared mission in protecting the population and supporting the police in their efforts.

Municipal police inspector Jean-Marie Ou©draogo, director of monitoring and promotion of municipal police forces, explained that the session aims to enhance the capabilities of municipal police officers in managing urban security amidst growing insecurity. He stressed the importance of community-based policing and the need for real-time communication of security information to allow authorities to take appropriate measures.

Fran§ois Xavier Nikiema, the first vice-president of the special delegation, recognized the importance of the meeting amid the challenging security environment. He underscored the necessity of collaboration between security forces and the population to address insecurity effectively. Nikiema also pointed out the need to change the perception of security forces as purely repressive, advocating for a citizen-focused police force working closely with the people.

As a result of this meeting, a local collaboration network will be established in Koup©la to enhance the co-production of security, further supporting the ongoing efforts to strengthen municipal security.