Burkina: the idea of a levy on wages to support the war effort abandoned
The Burkinabè government has endorsed the creation of a Patriotic Support Fund, in particular to finance the training and equipment of volunteers for the defense of the homeland.
(illustrative image) © AFP/Issouf Sanogo
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
The relief of the unions after the announcement on Wednesday of the abandonment of an automatic deduction on wages, to support the effort of war against terrorism.
On Wednesday, the Council of Ministers endorsed the creation of a Patriotic Support Fund, to finance in particular the training and equipment of volunteers for the defense of the homeland.
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Endowed with 100 billion CFA francs, this fund will be financed in particular by taxes on products such as tobacco or alcohol.
The Burkinabè will also be able to contribute, on a voluntary basis,
contrary to the initial project
which provided for a deduction of 1% on the salary of each Burkinabè worker.
A measure opposed by the unions.
“
Our refusal was not categorical,
explains Abdoulaye Ernest Ouedraogo, general secretary of the Trade Union of Workers of Burkina.
We only asked for prerequisites
”.
Among these: the assurance of transparent management of the funds raised.
“
There is a problem of mismanagement within the defense and security forces.
An audit must be done
, ”continues the trade unionist.
In a press release published on December 22, the Union Action Unit, which brings together more than twenty organizations, also mentioned the lack of consultation, inflation or even the absence of information on the duration of these direct debits, as grounds for refusal.
In the absence of consensus, the government is now proposing a voluntary contribution.
"
The Burkinabè themselves must be the actors in the reconquest of our territory
", explains Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, government spokesperson, at the end of the Council of Ministers.
Thus, members of the government are trying to show their credentials by announcing a contribution of 5% of their monthly salary.
“The
Burkinabè are aware that they have to make an effort,” continues Abdoulaye Ernest Ouedraogo.
If the fight against corruption continues, voluntary participation will hit the mark
,” he concludes.
Abdoulaye Ernest Ouedraogo, General Secretary of the Trade Union of Workers of Burkina
Gaelle Laleix
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