Ouagadougou: Populations affected by the Bissa Gold mine officially launched their association on Saturday in Zankoom, in the commune of Sabce. Called the Association of Populations Impacted by Bissa Gold (APIBG), it aims to promote harmonious coexistence between the mine and local populations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the APIBG, chaired by Robert Ouedraogo, brings together villages affected by Bissa Gold in the municipalities of Sabce, Guibare, and Mane. “We created the association to serve as an interface with the mine and to avoid going in disarray if each village has concerns. From now on, we invite all those who want to interact with Bissa Gold to go through the association because it is by uniting that we are stronger,” he said.
Robert Ouedraogo also praised the mining company’s achievements in favor of the affected communities, including school and health infrastructure, drilling, and various support, while calling for beneficial cohabitation between the two parties.
Several village representatives took the floor to welcome the initiative, specifically those from Sabce, Bissa village, Goungla, Bouiga, Bissiguin, Yalgweogo, Yilou Koukoundi Gougre, Mane, etc.
Naba Koanga of Rissiam, who was present with several of his ministers, congratulated President Robert Ouedraogo and his office on the officialization of the association. He encouraged the population to trust him by supporting him honestly.
Its spokesperson, the chief of the village of Goungla, stated: “We identify with this association and we invite the population to trust it and to distance themselves from certain demonstrations against the mine which are akin to manipulation. We encourage them to support this initiative and to always favor structured dialogue with Bissa Gold.”
As a reminder, APIBG is made up of a board of 10 members. It received its receipt on January 24, 2025, and its head office is based in the commune of Guibare.