Kadiogo: The Minister in charge of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, concluded the General Assembly of Decentralization, held under the theme "What decentralization for local development and a better contribution to securing the territory." The ceremony was attended by Governor Abdoulaye Bassinga, Secretary General Sadou Sankara, and other dignitaries, including representatives from various sectors such as local authorities and civil society.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, which took place from September 10 to 12, 2025, gathered 181 participants, including members from the Presidency of Faso, the Prime Minister's Office, and various ministerial departments. The governors, who led regional consultations in late August, also participated, ensuring representation from across the nation.
In his closing remarks, Minister Emile Zerbo, representing President Ibrahim Traor©, commended the participants for their discussions and recommendations, which he described as a significant step in the country's decentralization process. He highlighted the collective commitment to creating an inclusive governance model that addresses Burkina Faso's socio-cultural and security needs.
The assembly's recommendations aimed at strengthening the link between decentralization, devolution, and the transfer of powers. They included enhancing the roles of administrative heads, making prefects more accountable, and establishing performance contracts. Additional recommendations focused on granting districts more autonomy and revising transferred powers.
Proposals for local governance included diversifying local councils, forming a "security and civil defense" commission, directly electing local council presidents, and promoting accountability through citizen engagement.
In terms of the territorial civil service, the participants recommended national structures handle local official recruitment and develop a unified career management system. Financing discussions centered on digitalizing tax collection, pooling services, and increasing local tax shares, alongside involving the diaspora and strengthening the National Agency for Supporting the Development of Local Authorities.
The Secretary General, Sadou Sankara, acknowledged the participants' dedication and indicated that the assembly's results, alongside regional consultations, would form the foundation of a national decentralization reform plan, developed in collaboration with stakeholders.