Burkina Faso takes measures to restore state authority

Burkina Faso government has taken, on Monday, measures intended to restore state authority confronted with excesses of self-defense groups in the country.

In a release issued on Monday, Minister of Security, Simon Compaore warned self-defense groups against their defiance toward state authority and their methods on fields.

Self-defense groups, called "koglweogo", came into being in the hectic contest following October 2014 popular insurrection so as to ensure security in rural and remote areas, in place of divided official security forces at that time, in the West African country.

According to the minister, some Burkina people continue to resort to harmful acts, under the guise of the fight against insecurity or in response to a supposed impunity.

This is done "in flagrant violation of laws and regulations that govern the community life," he said.

The release also said that possession and carrying of firearms, anytime and anywhere, should conform to regulations in force in Burkina Faso. The government of Burkina Faso expressly prohibits the conspicuous carrying of firearms and knives. Endit