The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Burkina Faso is hosting a two-day meeting in Ouagadougou, starting October 27, 2026, to discuss the National Action Plan (PAN) for reducing nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical (NRBC) risks. The event aims to strengthen national prevention, coordination, and response mechanisms against the malicious use of hazardous substances. The meeting is crucial for Burkina Faso's national security, given the country's validation of its PAN in 2025.
Seydou Sinka, a representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the significance of preventing the malicious use of hazardous substances for national security. He highlighted that the meeting provides a platform for discussions, consultations, and decision-making to improve the functioning of the national team and consolidate achievements in this area. The meeting will assess the implementation of the PAN, update available data, and identify priorities for action.
The discussions will focus on evaluating the current state of the PAN, updating available data, and identifying action priorities. Participants will also clarify the responsibilities of different structures, enhance alert and communication mechanisms, and define training and equipment needs. Sinka stressed the need for concrete and operational results, including an updated inventory of national capacities and recommendations for improving inter-institutional coordination.
The meeting aims to achieve concrete outcomes, such as an updated state of national capacities, recommendations for improving inter-institutional coordination, and a mechanism for monitoring progress. Additionally, the meeting will explore ways to adopt the PAN by the competent authority. Through these efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to enhance coordination among ministerial departments, national institutions, technical services, and partners.
By strengthening the national coordination and response mechanisms, Burkina Faso aims to mitigate the risks associated with the malicious use of hazardous substances. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to ensure a comprehensive approach to preventing and responding to NRBC risks, involving various stakeholders and partners. This initiative demonstrates the country's commitment to addressing these threats.
The two-day meeting brings together representatives from various ministerial departments, national institutions, and technical services. Participants will engage in discussions, consultations, and decision-making to improve the national response to NRBC risks. The event is a crucial step towards consolidating Burkina Faso's device for preventing and responding to these threats.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the DCRP/MAE, is leading the efforts to enhance the national device for preventing and responding to NRBC risks. The meeting's outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to Burkina Faso's national security and its ability to address the challenges posed by NRBC threats.
Key points
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Burkina Faso is hosting a national meeting to enhance prevention and response mechanisms against nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical threats.
- The meeting aims to assess the implementation of the National Action Plan, update available data, and identify priorities for action.
- The initiative demonstrates Burkina Faso's commitment to addressing NRBC risks and enhancing national security.
