Regional “Prevention facility” project strengthens small arms control in Burkina Faso
As part of the regional “Prevention Facility” project, implemented in the East and Centre-East regions of Burkina Faso, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the National Commission for Arms Control (CNCA), organized a training session from June 25 to 27, 2025, in Koudougou.
The objective was to raise awareness among national stakeholders on the management of small arms and light weapons.
The proliferation of these weapons poses a major security challenge for Sahel countries, particularly Burkina Faso.
Their illicit circulation fuels communal conflicts, exacerbates political instability, and represents a direct threat to national security and sustainable development.
In a context marked by recurrent terrorist attacks, controlling these weapons has become an absolute priority.
Brigadier General Wendwaoga Kéré, Permanent Secretary of the CNCA, noted that most illegal weapons come from poorly managed state stockpiles.
He emphasized the need for strict oversight to reduce their proliferation. “Peace and security are the foundation of all development,” he stressed, urging participants to commit fully to the cause.
For his part, Losséni Cissé, UNDP representative, highlighted the link between combating arms proliferation and countering terrorism.
He explained that the project also aims to dismantle hate speech and extremist narratives. He announced plans for future training sessions in other localities, along with enhanced support for the CNCA.
This initiative is part of a broader conflict prevention strategy in the Gulf of Guinea. It seeks to strengthen national capacities for better arms control an essential condition for building lasting peace and fostering community development.
Olivier TOE
