Gaoua: The Djoro Regional Directorate of Industry, Commerce and Crafts unveiled a significant seizure of 35 tonnes of shea nuts in the village of Djikologo, originally sourced from Houde and bound for Ghana.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Andre-Joseph Bonaventure Traore, regional director of Water and Forests in Djoro, reported that on September 23, 2025, a tractor-trailer clandestinely transporting 446 bags of shea nuts, approximately 35 tonnes, was intercepted based on reliable intelligence. The operation, conducted by the combat unit of the Water and Forests of Djikologo, found the vehicle hidden behind local concessions and lacking any legal documentation.
“I commend the vigilance of forestry officers and inter-service collaboration, while recalling the importance of respecting the texts regarding the collection, transport, and marketing of non-timber forest products,” Traore stated, emphasizing the need for adherence to regulations.
Souleyman Louada, regional director of Industry, Trade and Crafts of Djoro, reported that the combat unit notified him about the seizure on September 23. A team was dispatched on September 24 to verify the situation and transport the vehicle to Gaoua. Louada noted that the owner failed to demonstrate that the goods were to remain within national borders, highlighting that the export of shea kernels has been suspended since 2024. “The offense of attempted export fraud has therefore been established. I can assure you that the seizure is final and that the owner will no longer have access to his goods,” Louada asserted.
Robert Zoungrana, the region’s secretary-general representing the governor, praised the prompt actions of the Water and Forestry Department and the regional trade directorate. He reiterated the suspension of almond exports by the highest authorities and urged strict compliance with regulations, warning that violators will face penalties in accordance with current laws. Zoungrana called on relevant services to maintain their vigilance to prevent similar incidents.