Bougouriba: Raphael Tapsoba was officially installed on Saturday, December 6, as head of the provincial section of UNAAM-B (National Union of Associations of Mining Artisans of Burkina) by the president of the regional section of Dj´r´, Jacques R. Ouedraogo, for a renewable four-year term. The installation ceremony for the new board, composed of thirty members, took place in the meeting room of the Diebougou town hall, in the presence of administrative, judicial, customary, religious authorities, defense and security forces as well as many actors in the mining sector.

According to Burkina Information Agency, when questioned, Raphael Tapsoba acknowledged the "weight of responsibility" that the task entails, stating that the newly established office "is ready to get to work." He made an appeal for unity among artisanal miners, fostering cohesion and consultation with administrative authorities, "so that we can move forward in the right direction."

Among the priorities set, the new president mentioned an awareness campaign in schools to dissuade students from abandoning classes in favor of mining sites, a phenomenon he describes as a "major challenge". Present at the ceremony, the organization's national president, Mahamoudou Sawadogo, offered advice on unity, patriotism, and responsibility: "For the artisanal mining sector to benefit all the people of Burkina Faso, we must work for the common good before thinking of our own personal interests." He also announced the upcoming holding of a forum, at the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) level, to unite efforts around the defense and formalization of the sector.

For his part, the High Commissioner of the province, Amidou Konate, reassured everyone of his commitment and full support. He emphasized the importance of "respecting regulations," procedures, and the environment, essential elements for artisanal mining that is "healthy, orderly, and in line with the expectations of the highest authorities in the country."

At the end of the ceremony, participants were invited to visit the headquarters of the provincial section of UNAAM-B, located in sector 7 of Diebougou, a few hundred meters from the town hall.