Bogand©: Traditional authorities, security forces, and community leaders gathered Monday morning at the royal court of Bogand© to urgently address the increasing abduction of young girls and women in the town, which has been likened to forced marriage. The meeting, held at the palace of His Majesty Yempaabou, chief of the canton of Bogand©, saw a serious tone as community leaders, religious officials, security forces, and technical services expressed their concern over the alarming phenomenon.
According to Burkina Information Agency, His Majesty Yempaabou condemned the situation, stating that it has reached alarming proportions. He emphasized that the abduction of young girls and women, including minors and married women, must be stopped as it dishonors the community. Attendees included officers of the national police, representatives of social action and national solidarity services, and religious leaders from across the city.
Testimonies during the meeting highlighted the growing distress among families. Participants revealed that reports of missing girls or women are a frequent occurrence, with cases being reported to the police, social services, or the royal palace almost every three days. Security services presented statistics indicating that around one hundred cases were recorded in Bogand© between October 2025 and May 2026, including a particularly shocking case of a 13-year-old girl who became pregnant after being abducted.
Discussions revealed that teenage girls, often students with an average age of around fifteen, are the primary victims, although married women are also sometimes abducted from their homes. This has fueled a sense of insecurity within households. Religious leaders from Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant communities reiterated their faiths’ teachings on marriage, dignity, and protection, condemning the kidnappings and urging the population to remain vigilant.
Some narratives suggested these practices were part of a Gulmanche tradition, but this interpretation was firmly rejected by community leaders. They emphasized that no tradition can justify acts violating human dignity and the rights of girls and women, receiving applause from the participants.
The meeting atmosphere fluctuated between indignation and a desire to take action. Participants called for increased awareness in neighborhoods, schools, and families, and stricter enforcement of laws against the perpetrators of these abductions. They acknowledged that the issue extends beyond the family sphere, requiring mobilization from all societal components.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued consultations to find urgent solutions to end the abductions in Bogand©, with a follow-up meeting planned to examine proposals and define concrete measures to address the issue.