The government of Burkina Faso is currently hosting an exhibition at the Salon international de l'artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO), showcasing various products and services. One of the notable exhibits is the locally produced robes of the Constitutional Council, which has undergone a significant transformation in terms of production cost. According to Lucien Diemé, Chief Clerk of the Directorate of Registries, the robes previously cost 4 million FCFA, including taxes, when imported. However, the cost has been reduced to 350,000 FCFA when produced locally.
The local production of Constitutional Council robes is part of the government's efforts to promote endogenous production and local consumption. The robes are now being produced by Burkinabé artisans, which not only reduces the cost but also supports the local economy. This move is seen as a step towards achieving sovereignty and promoting the "consume local" campaign. The production of these robes is also an example of the government's commitment to reducing the cost of professional attire while utilizing the skills of local artisans.
The cost reduction is not limited to the Constitutional Council robes. The locally produced robes for magistrates have also seen a significant reduction in cost. The black magistrate's robe, which previously cost 750,000 FCFA, now costs 150,000 FCFA, while the red magistrate's robe, which cost 850,000 FCFA, is now priced at 150,000 FCFA. This reduction in cost is a result of the government's efforts to promote local production and reduce reliance on imported goods.
The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, in charge of Relations with Institutions, has set up a stand at the exhibition, offering various services and documents to visitors. The stand provides opportunities for visitors to carry out administrative tasks, such as obtaining documents like casier judiciaire and certificat de nationalité. The stand also features productions related to patriotic engagement and human rights, including a guide on the consideration of human rights by Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie (VDP) in the fight against terrorism.
The exhibition, which was officially launched on October 2, 2026, will run until October 9, 2026, at the SIAO. The event brings together various ministerial departments, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover their actions, services, and products. The exhibition aims to promote local production, consumption, and patriotism, while also showcasing the government's efforts to improve the lives of citizens.
The stand on citizenship features productions dedicated to patriotic engagement, as well as documents on human rights. Visitors can consult the report on the contribution of national armed forces, internal security forces, and VDP to the protection of human rights in Burkina Faso, among other documents. These resources are available in physical and electronic formats, providing visitors with easy access to information.
The government exhibition is an opportunity for citizens to engage with various government departments and learn about their activities. The local production of Constitutional Council robes and magistrates' robes is a testament to the government's commitment to promoting endogenous production and reducing costs. The exhibition will continue until October 9, 2026, providing visitors with a chance to explore the various exhibits and services on offer.
Key points
- The local production of Constitutional Council robes has reduced the cost from 4 million FCFA to 350,000 FCFA.
