Ouagadougou: The National Identification Office (ONI) launched a special enrollment operation on Wednesday, September 9, at the central Sunni mosque in Koudougou, for the establishment of the biometric identity card of the Alliance of Sahel States (CIB-AES). This initiative is part of the celebration of the 7th International Identity Day, scheduled for September 16th. The ceremony brought together administrative authorities, officials from the National Identification Office (ONI), religious representatives, and numerous citizens who came to benefit from the program.
According to Burkina Information Agency, representing the governor of the Nando region, the region's secretary general, Lucien Gugur, welcomed the choice of Koudougou for the launch of this special operation. He extended a warm welcome to the officials, staff, and partners of the National Identification Office (ONI), while conveying the thanks of the region's administrative, traditional, and religious authorities. For the Secretary General, access to an identity document is now a necessity for every citizen. It allows them to prove their identity, facilitates administrative procedures, and fully participate in economic and social life.
He also commended the ONI, particularly the regional branch in Nando, for its efforts to bring identification services closer to the population. Comrade Gugur invited the population to seize the opportunity offered by this campaign which takes place from September 9 to 16, 2026. He particularly encouraged parents to ensure the enrollment of their children from the required age and urged people who do not yet have a CIB-AES to take advantage of the operation.
The Director General of the National Identification Office (ONI), Arzouma Daouda Parfait Lour, explained that the choice of Koudougou was intended to highlight the national character of International Identity Day. He specified that ONI teams are mobilized throughout the country to bring services closer to citizens. From now on, enrollment for the identity card is possible from the age of 5, he indicated, stressing that this measure aims to strengthen the inclusion of populations.
During the ceremony, the Director General of the ONI, accompanied by the head of the Nando branch, Oumarou Savadogo, explained the different stages of biometric registration, from the collection of citizen data to the production of the CIB-AES. A practical demonstration was also carried out. Under the supervision of the head of the local office, the secretary general of the Nando region acted as an enrollment agent, registering some citizens.
According to the Director General of the ONI, the institution is working to gradually transition from paper-based enrollment to a digital system. The new kits allow for the digital capture of photos, ten fingerprints, and signatures, as well as the scanning of necessary documents. This data is transmitted directly to the central database via the internet connection, which should help speed up the processing and issuance of cards. The National Identification Office (ONI) plans to gradually equip its approximately 500 registration centers with mobile kits by the end of the year.
The president of the Sunnis of Koudougou, Omar Bonkoungou, for his part welcomed this initiative which allows the faithful and other citizens to benefit from the service directly at their place of worship. The special enlistment operation continues until September 16, 2026.