Burkina Faso's state of emergency extended for 18 months in 14 provinces

The National Assembly of Burkina Faso on Thursday, June 24 approved the law that extends the state of emergency in 14 provinces of the country for 18 months, as part of the fight against terrorism.

One hundred and twenty deputies voted in favour and six others abstained.

This 18-month extension, which takes effect on July 13, concerns 14 of the country's 45 provinces, spread over the regions of Boucle du Mouhoun, east-central, east and Hauts-Bassins, north and in the Sahel.

According to Justice Minister Victoria Kibora, the extension of the state of emergency is part of the Government's desire to maintain and intensify the fight against terrorism

The extension will allow the administrative authorities of these regions to continue to take measures appropriate to their areas of competence, in the fight against terrorism, according to the official.

He said that people detained and subject to legal proceedings, in the context of security operations in the territory, are estimated at around 800, since the beginning of the terrorist attacks in 2015, and that the first trials are scheduled for the next few months.