Burkina Faso: Real Estate Agents Join National Police to Fight Insecurity
Published: May 25, 2025
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – In a proactive move to curb growing urban insecurity, the National Police of Burkina Faso have partnered with real estate agents across the country. The collaboration aims to improve monitoring of rental properties and enhance information-sharing mechanisms to prevent criminal activity.
Real Estate Agents as Frontline Informants
Given their daily involvement in property rentals and transactions, real estate agents are in a unique position to notice suspicious behavior or questionable clients. Under this new initiative, agents are encouraged to verify tenant identities, maintain detailed records, and report unusual patterns directly to the police.
Authorities believe this approach will help track potential threats such as fugitive suspects, illegal occupants, or even terrorist elements attempting to blend into urban neighborhoods.
A Strategic Public Safety Measure
According to Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Security, this public-private partnership reflects the government’s evolving strategy to engage all segments of society in maintaining security. "We must build trust and intelligence networks from the ground up," a spokesperson said.
The police have already launched training sessions for real estate brokers in major cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, focusing on crime indicators, legal procedures, and tenant screening best practices.
Challenges and Privacy Concerns
While the collaboration is widely praised, it has also raised privacy and civil liberties concerns. Some critics warn that excessive surveillance or misuse of personal information could violate tenants’ rights. Officials stress that all operations will be carried out in accordance with Burkina Faso’s data protection laws.
Public Support and Next Steps
The public reaction has been largely supportive, especially in neighborhoods where insecurity is a daily concern. Local communities have expressed hope that this initiative will help reduce burglary, squatting, and terrorist infiltration.
The government plans to expand the initiative nationwide by the end of 2025, making it a key part of its broader counter-insecurity strategy.
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