Burkina Faso: Government adopts draft decree on improving living conditions

The Council of Ministers, led by the President of the Transition, Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré adopted on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, important decisions for the smooth running of the Transition.

 The Council adopted a decree on strengthening the regulatory framework for the identification of subscribers and customers of providers of electronic communications services on behalf of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Postal and Electronic Communications.

The aim of the decree is to reduce the number of mandatory documents for the acquisition of SIM cards for individuals. From now on, Burkinabe citizens will only present a Burkinabe National Identity Card (CNIB). As for foreigners, a passport and a refugee card for displaced persons. In addition, each operator can only assign a maximum of two SIM cards to the same subscriber. It will also proceed to the sale of SIM card only in authorized agencies and outlets.

According to the minister in charge of electronic communications, Aminata ZERBO SABANE, these measures aim to better regulate the identification of subscribers and customers of providers of electronic communications services and to reduce the illicit use of these services.

The decree addresses the shortcomings of the former decree referring to it and will contribute more to the fight against insecurity and terrorism.

The Council also adopted a report authorizing the conclusion of a contract through the direct agreement procedure with COTECNA for the monitoring of customs operations under the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Foresight.

It was also decided within the framework of the Council of the creation of the Fund «Faso Kuna Wili» which now brings together three funds of the Ministry in charge of youth. They will be used as support funds for employment promotion, youth initiatives and the informal sector.

On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, the Council adopted a draft decree on the improvement of the living conditions of National Armed Forces personnel, through the Army Health Insurance Fund.

In relation to the Dengue and chikungunia epidemic, a communication was made by the Minister of Health and Public Health on the appropriate measures to counter these epidemics.

Sadia Nyaoré