Burkina Faso launches major anti-drug campaign in schools
The Burkinabe government is stepping up its fight against narcotics in educational institutions. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the National Committee for Drug Control (CNLD), under the Ministry of Security, launched a large-scale awareness operation targeting schoolchildren. The official kickoff took place at Baonghin Primary School (District 2 of Ouagadougou), attended by the Central Region’s Secretary-General, Aïssatou Angelina Traoré.
Protecting the next generation
This ambitious initiative will reach 150 primary schools in the capital, with the primary goal of educating young students about the dangers of illicit substances. Authorities aim to actively engage pupils in this crucial societal battle.
Police inspector General Emanoël Kaboré, Permanent Secretary of the CNLD, connected this effort to the recent National Days of Patriotic Engagement (March 26 to April 9, 2025), which carried the motto: “For Order and Discipline: I Commit.”
A growing threat in classrooms
Kaboré warned of the alarming spread of drugs in schools. To counter this escalating threat, the CNLD—an interministerial body coordinating anti-drug efforts—is implementing a multi-pronged strategy combining prevention, law enforcement, rehabilitation, and social reintegration for affected youth.
In her address, Secretary-General Traoré reaffirmed regional authorities’ unwavering support for this campaign to safeguard Burkina Faso’s future. “Protecting our youth from this destructive scourge is an absolute priority,” she emphasized, urging collaboration among all stakeholders.
This campaign aligns with the government’s broader policy to keep schools drug-free while instilling civic values in the younger generation. By tackling substance abuse early, Burkina Faso aims to secure a healthier, more disciplined future for its children.
Papa IBRAHIMA
