Boulgou: The rural commune of Zabr© officially bid farewell to the National Police this Monday morning, during a ceremony marked by the raising of the colors in the police station. As a reminder, according to a decision of the Council of Ministers dated July 31, 2024, the National Police now has territorial jurisdiction over urban communes and other communes in the province of Kadiogo, and the National Gendarmerie has territorial jurisdiction over rural communes.

According to Burkina Information Agency, heads of decentralized services, presidents of special delegations from the municipalities of Zabr©, Zoaga, and Zons©, religious and traditional leaders, heads of civil society organizations, women’s and youth associations, and citizens gathered to pay tribute to the Zabr© police officers. These officers are preparing to pack their bags due to a legal provision concerning the reorganization of the territorial network by the police and gendarmerie services.

After the flags were raised to the sound of the national anthem, a series of speeches followed. Some speakers praised the professionalism and availability of the police officers, while others expressed their incomprehension and dismay at this decision. Suggestions were made that Zabr©, being the second most populated commune in the Nakamb© region and located over 100 km from Tenkodogo, the regional capital, perhaps deserved an exception.

The prefect and president of the Zabr© special delegation, Alain Boubi© Bassono, praised the work done by the police and urged the population to trust the authorities. He reassured them about the gendarmerie’s ability to ensure security and assume the prerogatives transferred from the police. He called on the gendarmes to redouble their efforts and vigilance, acknowledging that while the police will be missed, the gendarmerie, with increased personnel, will rise to the challenge.

The prefects-presidents of the special delegations of Zoaga and Zons© also expressed gratitude to the police forces, recognizing that their actions often extended beyond the limits of Zabr© to their jurisdictions. Women’s representative Mariame Zinsonni thanked Commissioner Fulgence Bayala and his men for the support they have provided to the women of Zabr©.

The head of the Zabr© canton, His Majesty Naaba Kougri, through his representative Harouna Gouba, and religious leaders, gave their blessing to the police officers. As a token of appreciation, the president of the Association of Customary Chiefs of the Zabr© and Youga cantons presented a symbolic sum of 100,000 CFA francs to the commissioner and his men.

Commissioner Fulgence Bayala, deeply moved, expressed his gratitude to the people of Zabr© for their collaboration and esteem, stating, “I lack the words to thank you. I remain available to every resident of Zabr©. This is just a goodbye, not a farewell.”