Authorities in Burkina Faso have arrested 24 people for occupying servitude land around the Soum Dam in the commune of Nanoro, province of Boulkiemdé. The arrests were made between October 26 and 30, 2026, by the Water Police of Nando, with support from the Parquet near the Koudougou High Court and the Regional Directorate of Agriculture, Water and Animal and Fisheries Resources. The operation aimed to curb the anarchic and illegal occupation of the dam's servitude land.
The crackdown resulted in the seizure of 33 motor pumps and 18 gas cylinders, equipment used by occupants to exploit the protected areas. The arrested individuals will face judicial proceedings. The operation also generated 850,000 F CFA in fines, which have been paid into the state's coffers. The authorities have emphasized the strategic importance of the Soum Dam for achieving food sovereignty in Burkina Faso.
The Soum Dam is a significant agricultural and fisheries development hub, with over 155 km of delimited banks, a 1,000-hectare developed perimeter, and more than 300 floating cages dedicated to fish production. Despite previous sensitization and control operations, some occupants continued to exploit the protected areas, prompting the authorities to intensify their repression efforts.
The Water Police of Nando have reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing their control and repression missions until the servitude land is completely liberated. The authorities have warned that they will not tolerate the illegal occupation of the dam's servitude land, which is essential for the country's agricultural and fisheries development.
The operation was carried out with an important deployment of security forces, underscoring the government's determination to enforce the regulations and protect the dam's servitude land. The arrested individuals are expected to face prosecution for their alleged involvement in the illegal occupation of the servitude land.
The Soum Dam's servitude land occupation issue has been a persistent problem, with previous operations failing to deter occupants from exploiting the protected areas. The latest crackdown suggests that the authorities are determined to take a firmer stance on the issue and protect the dam's servitude land.
The government's efforts to protect the Soum Dam's servitude land are part of a broader strategy to promote agricultural development and achieve food sovereignty in Burkina Faso. The authorities have emphasized the importance of protecting the country's water resources and ensuring that they are used sustainably and efficiently.
Key points
- 24 people arrested for occupying servitude land around Soum Dam
- 33 motor pumps and 18 gas cylinders seized during operation
- Authorities generate 850,000 F CFA in fines from arrested occupants
