Kaya: The governor of the Koulse region, Colonel-Major Z. Blaise Ouedraogo, launched a new local security system called 'Police M'Yaka' on Friday in Kaya, which means 'neighbor police' in the Moore language, in the presence of administrative, military, paramilitary authorities and the population.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this special police unit was born from the desire of the highest authorities to bring the security forces closer to the citizens and is intended, as per the regional director of the national police of Koulse, Chief Commissioner of Police Larba Salamabanga, to be an appropriate response to evolving security challenges. He noted that managing internal security has become increasingly complex due to factors such as population growth, uncontrolled urbanization, increased population mobility, and changing forms of crime.
The "M'Yaka" concept reflects an ambition for proximity, aiming to strengthen prevention, community awareness, and citizen participation in the fight against insecurity. Chief Superintendent of Police Larba Salamabanga emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between the police and the population, identifying neighborhood-specific security risks, conducting targeted awareness campaigns, and actively involving residents in co-producing security. The initiative also aims to reduce incivilities and improve citizens' perception of the police.
This special police unit in Kaya, led by Chief Warrant Officer Apollinaire Zagre, is a pilot phase intended to expand gradually to all provinces in the Koulse region. The unit chief highlighted the necessity of active collaboration, reminding citizens that no strategy can succeed without their support, and urged them to report suspicious behavior and cooperate with the police.
The regional governor reassured residents about the non-repressive role of this community policing, explaining that M'Yaka officers are there to engage with the community, raise awareness, and listen to security concerns. He emphasized the importance of social contribution to co-producing security as a multiplier of security and peace and encouraged the population to take ownership of this initiative.
Solange Kima Minoungou, president of the special delegation of Kaya, expressed her commitment to supporting the police unit, stating that it "will contribute to strengthening the social fabric, calming concerns and promoting a culture of participatory security".