Burkina Faso: Need to check all parcels entering Burkina Faso for security reasons

«Trust but verify», the Burkinabe government aims to inspect all parcels before their entry into Burkinabe territory. In a note addressed to embassies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs diplomatic missions, consulates, international and intra-African organizations that henceforth, all parcels coming from abroad destined for any embassy will undergo thorough verification for security reasons.

While diplomatic bodies are generally exempt from certain formalities, given the current situation in Burkina Faso, this new measure is commendable.

With the security mechanisms in place by the Burkinabe government, coupled with the sacrifices of the people, it would be truly disappointing to see all these efforts undermined in the name of established protocol.

Security demands that it is better to err on the side of excess, potentially making a mistake in targeting, than to blindly trust and end up with casualties.

The Burkinabe population must also be vigilant, informing authorities about strange and unusual behaviors, especially those of foreigners or individuals about whom there is no information.

Far from any idea of xenophobia, if it is necessary to go through such measures to put an end to terrorist acts on Burkinabe soil, we can only take note.

Yann ETERNEL