Burkina Faso: For order and discipline, the country launches a Civic Brigade named “Brigade Laabal”

Burkina Faso has taken another significant step in restoring public order with the creation, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, of the Civic Brigade for Order and Discipline, officially named “Brigade Laabal”. The name, derived from Fulfuldé and meaning integrity, uprightness, and honesty, perfectly reflects the mission of this new body: to restore state authority while promoting essential civic values.
Presented to the Council of Ministers by the Minister of Security, Divisional Police Commissioner Mahamadou Sana, this operational brigade is designed to maintain a close presence among the population. Its work will combine awareness campaigns, education, and corrective enforcement, with the goal of addressing recurring violations of public order, civic responsibility, and sanitation.
According to the minister, this initiative aims to equip the State with a civic tool for social regulation, capable of identifying and correcting behaviors that violate basic societal norms. The Brigade Laabal will work in synergy with existing security forces, providing a more comprehensive and tailored response to daily challenges.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen governance and social cohesion. In the face of security and societal challenges, Burkina Faso is turning to innovative and inclusive solutions to rebuild trust between the State and its citizens. The Brigade Laabal symbolizes this commitment to combining firmness with education to foster a climate of discipline and mutual respect.
Expectations for this new brigade are high. If successfully deployed, it could serve as a model for proactive management of urban and rural disorder while strengthening the sense of security among the population. However, its success will depend on strong cooperation between authorities, security forces, and citizens.
With the Brigade Laabal, Burkina Faso once again demonstrates its determination to innovate in maintaining public order and promoting civic values. This initiative, praised by many observers, could mark a turning point in the relationship between the State and its people.