Burkina Faso: National Conference on Decentralization, major advances in rebuilding local governance
Concluded on September 12, 2025, in Ouagadougou, the General Assembly on Decentralization marked a decisive stage in the process of rebuilding local governance. Over three days, from September 10 to 12, 181 participants from diverse backgrounds took part in the sessions, organized around four strategic areas: decentralization and deconcentration with the transfer of powers, local governance and endogenous development, the territorial civil service, and finally the financing of decentralization.
The discussions provided an in-depth examination of the current system and produced strong recommendations to enhance its effectiveness. Among the key proposals was the need to strengthen decentralized technical services to improve local service delivery for citizens. The involvement of military engineering in constructing infrastructure in high-risk areas was also highlighted as a practical solution to accessibility and security challenges.
Land issues were central to the debates. Participants emphasized the importance of securing investments and ensuring transparent land management for the benefit of local authorities. A better distribution of taxation between the State and local governments was suggested to provide stable financial resources aligned with development ambitions.
The role of the Defense and Security Forces in consolidating the local institutional framework was also emphasized. Further reflection on the responsibilities of the security and civil defense commission should improve coordination between local authorities and security structures, a crucial condition for building stable and resilient communities.
At the conclusion, participants stressed that decentralization should no longer be seen merely as a territorial arrangement, but as a genuine lever for reconstruction, resilience, and social cohesion. In a context marked by security and social challenges, local governments are called to become hubs of innovation and solidarity, capable of driving local development and strengthening national unity.
These General Assemblies thus represent a major turning point, providing the country with strong, consensual directions. Rapid implementation is expected to pave the way for ambitious reforms capable of transforming local governance into a sustainable engine of sovereignty and shared progress.
