Ouagadougou: The National Gendarmerie takes over from the National Police: The rural commune of Thyou hosted the official handover ceremony between the National Police and the National Gendarmerie on Tuesday, September 15. This transition is part of the reorganization of internal security forces desired by the Burkinabe authorities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was held within the grounds of the Thyou youth center and took place in the presence of administrative, traditional, and religious authorities, as well as key figures from the local community. It began with a choral performance of Ditany, the national anthem of Burkina Faso.
The President of the special delegation (PDS) of the commune of Thyou, Rateba Dawega, praised the work done by the outgoing district police station. While emphasizing the continuity of state service, he reassured the public that this organizational change was not a break with the past. He invited residents to extend the same open cooperation to the incoming Gendarmerie officers.
The Provincial Director of Police for Boulkiemd reiterated that security remains a collective endeavor requiring the constant involvement of the population. He specified that this reorganization primarily aims to optimize the security network across the national territory.
Outgoing Police Commissioner Lieutenant Hubert Koama expressed his gratitude to his superiors, his officers for their discipline, and all local partners. He thanked His Majesty Naaba Tigr, Chief of the Thyou canton and ambassador of peace, for his role as protector and advisor during his two years in command. Tributes were also paid to the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP), to the customary authorities, to the heads of service, and to the goodwill that supported the police station.
The new Territorial Brigade Commander (CB) of the National Gendarmerie, Chief Warrant Officer Ousseni Oudraogo, placed his mandate under the sign of professionalism and proximity. 'Our main mission is to ensure your safety and protect your property. We are here to serve you and our doors are wide open to you,' he said, while requesting the support of the people of Thyou and the neighboring villages of Sala and Sabou.
The ceremony was marked by the official presentation of the national flag-the supreme symbol of sovereignty and security-to the new brigade commander and his officers. Certificates of appreciation and gifts were presented to the outgoing police personnel in recognition of their service. The event concluded with a photographic commemoration, sealing the bond between the defense and security forces and the local population.