Banfora: At the initiative of Mathieu Tingueri, the High Commissioner of Como© Province, an important meeting took place in Banfora to inform and raise awareness among association leaders about Law No. 011-2025/ALT, enacted on July 17, 2025, concerning freedom of association in Burkina Faso. This initiative aimed to equip association members with a thorough understanding of the new regulations and guide them on the necessary steps to ensure compliance.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the High Commissioner praised the significant mobilization of associations and highlighted their crucial role in the socio-economic advancement of the province. He acknowledged the efforts of associations working across various sectors, including education, health, social and humanitarian initiatives, the promotion of women and youth, environmental protection, social cohesion, and economic development.
The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of these organizations as indispensable partners of the public administration in enhancing the living standards of the populace. He explained that the new law aims to meet the demands of good governance, transparency, accountability, and national security. The reform is designed to streamline the associative framework, bolster the credibility of organizations, and align their actions more effectively with national development priorities.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the imperative for all associations, previously established under the old law, to adhere to the new regulations by July 22, 2026. Failure to comply by this deadline will result in the dissolution of non-compliant associations. He expressed concern over the fact that none of the 876 associations registered between 2018 and 2025 had yet completed the necessary formalities to align with the new legislation.
He urged all association leaders to take prompt action to regularize their status within the stipulated timeframe. The High Commissioner assured the participants of the administration’s support throughout this transition and encouraged them to engage actively in the meeting’s discussions to fully grasp the law’s innovations.
Following the meeting, association leaders expressed satisfaction with the clarifications provided on the new law and committed to adhering to the revised regulations. They appreciated the High Commissioner’s proactive approach, which allowed them to better comprehend the reform’s implications and their ensuing obligations.
This gathering marks a significant step toward aligning Como©’s associations with the new legal framework governing freedom of association in Burkina Faso.