Zorgho: The land dispute between the Baguian family and the landowners of Rainon, a district in the village of Bokin-Koudgo within the department of Zorgho, was assessed on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, by the Provincial Observatory for the Prevention and Management of Community Conflicts (OPPREGECC), chaired by High Commissioner Ms. Aminata Sorgho/Gouba. A consensus was reached, pending the final delimitation of the land after the winter season.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Baguian family, who have resided in Rainon for around forty years after moving from the village of Yougoulmande, had been granted a portion of land by Talato Kabore's family. Relations soured over time due to the Baguian family's animals damaging the crops of Yamba Kabore, who eventually relocated.
A recent altercation over plot boundaries between a Baguian son and a youth from Bokin-Koudgo escalated to assault, leading to a court case. The Baguian family claimed to have demarcated more than 125 hectares, with 25 occupied by their concessions. The landowners, however, disputed these figures, asserting they had not been consulted. Yamba Kabore's family also joined the dispute over the land they abandoned due to damages caused by the Baguian family's animals, which is now utilized by the latter.
The local administration, upon receiving the case, initiated consultations with the involved parties. Valentin Badolo, the prefect and president of the Zorgho departmental court, reported no area had been officially demarcated. An agreement was reached, allowing the Baguian family to continue using the already sown areas during the current agricultural season, with a permanent solution to be sought after the rainy season.
The OPPREGECC, with strong support from stakeholders and technical assistance from the Permanent Secretariat of the National Observatory for the Prevention and Management of Community Conflicts (SP/ONAPREGECC), worked toward solidifying this agreement. The High Commissioner highlighted the importance of clear demarcation, proposing a technical team to assist in final boundary demarcation post-rainy season to prevent future disputes.
All parties accepted the proposal, and the High Commissioner advised the Baguian family to manage their livestock effectively to prevent future conflicts. Ms. Aminata Sorgho stressed focusing on the current dispute, while indicating similar cases could be addressed later.
The OPPREGECC's mediation was praised by the involved parties for preventing violence escalation. The High Commissioner emphasized promoting peace, tolerance, and social cohesion for harmonious local development. Land conflicts are prevalent in Ganzourgou province, with seven such conflicts on OPPREGECC's agenda in various municipalities.