Boulgou: The Niaogho Departmental Stakeholder Advisory Framework held its first ordinary session of 2026 on Wednesday in the town hall meeting room, with a quorum largely reached, with 54 members present and 16 absent, allowing the validity of the deliberations. This meeting allowed authorities, technical stakeholders, and affected communities to exchange views on the challenges related to Kiaka SA's mining operations, fostering dialogue, transparency, and the search for sustainable solutions.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the session was opened in the presence of administrative and local authorities, bringing together all relevant bodies to address the issue of coexistence between the mine and the communities. The President of the Niaogho Special Delegation, Karim Sana, noted that several populations initially settled on the mining site have been compensated and resettled. However, the question of their livelihoods remains a major concern. 'After their displacement, these populations lost their sources of agricultural income. "It is therefore necessary to find sustainable alternatives to allow them to continue to live with dignity," he said, mentioning in particular the implementation of a livelihood restoration program, including training and support for retraining.

From the perspective of technical stakeholders, the contribution of the National Office for the Security of Mining Sites focused on security issues. Its representative emphasized the mission of securing mining sites against threats ranging from organized crime to terrorist attacks, while also highlighting the challenge of extending this protection to all sites, including artisanal mining.

Representing KIAKA SA, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Christian Ouedraogo, commended the regularity of the consultation framework established two years ago. He stated that the collaboration between the mine, the authorities, and the communities "is going well," while acknowledging areas for improvement. He emphasized the need for greater involvement of local authorities in implementing community-based initiatives. "Concerns must follow the official channels of this framework so that they can be discussed, recorded, and effectively monitored," he recommended.

At the local level, testimonies reflect a generally positive, but nuanced, perception. Civil society representative Hamadou Compaore acknowledged the mine's efforts while calling for further action. "The rights of the local population are respected, but more needs to be done to better meet their expectations," he stated, urging mutual understanding and improved communication. He also urged the authorities to intensify awareness efforts to better publicize the mine's activities and to alleviate misunderstandings.

Through this session marked by strong participation, the Niaogho Departmental Consultative Framework is establishing itself as a strategic space for dialogue, where KIAKA SA, the authorities, and the communities combine their efforts to build a harmonious coexistence, a guarantee of local development and social stability.