Koglweogo, mirror of a state failure

20171014 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: Thirteen new members have joined the Koglweogo group in Potiamanga, which now consists of 36 people. "We will have to increase the number of members further to eradicate big banditry in the locality," says Combary Nindia, the president of the Potiamanga association. "To become a Koglweogo, you have to adhere to the rules and take part in the initiation," he adds, with all the black magic that is omnipresent in Koglweogo activity. It is said that when you hit a thug, it is the evil in him that you make disappear. October 14, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171009 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: The Koglweogo group of Fada N'Gourma, currently meeting under the busiest tree in a vast plain on the edge of the city, has found a place to build its new headquarters. The building, consisting of four cramped rooms, will serve as a "prison", allowing the alleged perpetrators to be held for the duration of the investigation. "When they talk about arrest and detention, the Koglweogo are actually guilty of kidnapping," said Ismael Gnaon, a magistrate from the Fada N'Gourma court. October 9, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171021 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Koglweogo claim unity. "Thanks to the Koglweogo, the customary chiefs meet and forge ties," uniting the population in a movement of solidarity "beyond ethnic affiliations and religious beliefs," says Sapouy's Nabaa. Today, the movement is weaving its web and trying, despite differences in ideas and practices, to structure itself at the national level. January 21, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171011 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: scenes from life in Fada N'Gourma. The Eastern region, once classified as a "red zone" in terms of insecurity, had the highest number of armed attacks in the country. Major banditry, robberies and violent hold-ups have been daily since the early 2000s, paralyzing commercial activities. "Between 2010 and 2014, attacks had increased significantly, including the use of weapons of war," said Professor ra-Sabla Ouédraogo. Theft of livestock and goods, robberies, roadblocks, rapes, cross-border banditry networks, these were the evils that plagued Burkinabe society, terrorizing a population reduced to silence. October 11, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171018 - BURKINA FASO, POUYTENGA: Pouytenga is a city in the Central Plateau with 120,000 inhabitants. Its Koglweogo are particularly criticized for their use of violence against thieves. They defend themselves by explaining the situation that prevailed before their arrival: "We have suffered here. We suffered here. There were many attacks at home, the population was in danger of dying under the blows of assailants who were released," recalls Naaba Koutou Kande, the local customary chief. "Laws and human rights are not well known. We don't know much about the laws and human rights," says Moussa Ouédraogo, a member of the Koglweogo of Pouytenga. "We are told we are breaking the law. At least, thanks to us, a thief won't steal any more," continues the representative of the local merchants, who depicts an extremely precarious situation for the trade before the arrival of the Koglweogo. Lack of education is cited as a reason for both human rights abuses and often unwavering support for the movement. But this is not the only reason. Criticism of laws and rights imported by the colonists, denying the specificities of African society, applying to it without regard to its history, culture and mentality, is systematically repeated. January 18, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171018 - BURKINA FASO, POUYTENGA: Pouytenga is a city in the Central Plateau with 120,000 inhabitants. Its Koglweogo are particularly criticized for their use of violence against thieves. They defend themselves by explaining the situation that prevailed before their arrival: "We have suffered here. We suffered here. There were many attacks at home, the population was in danger of dying under the blows of assailants who were released," recalls Naaba Koutou Kande, the local customary chief. "Laws and human rights are not well known. We don't know much about the laws and human rights," says Moussa Ouédraogo, a member of the Koglweogo of Pouytenga. "We are told we are breaking the law. At least, thanks to us, a thief won't steal any more," continues the representative of the local merchants, who depicts an extremely precarious situation for the trade before the arrival of the Koglweogo. Lack of education is cited as a reason for both human rights abuses and often unwavering support for the movement. But this is not the only reason. Criticism of laws and rights imported by the colonists, denying the specificities of African society, applying to it without regard to its history, culture and mentality, is systematically repeated. January 18, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171017 - BURKINA FASO, BOULSA: Three young men were arrested several days ago for theft. They are waiting for light to be shed on the facts committed. All of them say they are unable to pay back both the larceny and the fines owed to the Koglweogo. Most of the time, they are chained up and sleep on thin straw mattresses. January 17, 2018. PHOTO OLIVE TREE PAPEGNIES

20171017 - BURKINA FASO, ZAMBANGA: Boureima Nadbanka leads an awareness session in the village of Zambanga. The main objective is to "induce new citizenship behaviours. ». "After a difficult start, where we experienced resistance, we have stabilized the region and reached a point of equilibrium," says the Koglweogo chief. "We have found peace again," comments Hamidou, a villager, at the end of the meeting. January 17, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171013 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: After spending the night in a cell, Jiabouba Lelampo is heard by the "judges" or "wise men". His parents, as well as those of his alleged accomplices, are invited. October 13, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

0171010 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: Lompo is accused of stealing a motorcycle. He is intercepted by the Koglweogo of sector 11 of Fada N'Gourma. Systematically after their arrest, the presumed thieves are tied up and stripped. If they do not catch the thief in flagrante delicto, an investigation is conducted to gather evidence of his guilt. In the east, Django assures his soldiers that they do not use violence to extract confessions, but in reality, beatings and humiliation remain as instruments of pressure and retaliation. October 10, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171009 - BURKINA FASO, BOUGUI: In Bougui, a small village on the outskirts of Fada N'Gourma, a soldier, also known as a "sparrowhawk" for his speed and reactivity, attends a gathering. Located on the international road to Niger and Benin, this small town has long been targeted by large-scale banditry. In less than two years, the Koglweogo say there has been a marked improvement in the security situation: robberies and thefts have almost disappeared, "we can even leave the motorcycles outside and we are no longer afraid to leave the sesame crops unguarded," explains Nanoino Seydou. "The Koglweogo are more than just the 21 elements. The whole population is an intelligence agent, that's our strength," explains this man, who is also a municipal councillor. October 9, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171013 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: The village of Nakpalingou is located a few minutes from the asphalt road, after having taken a narrow dented bush road. "The police never enter the village," the Koglweogo say in the shade of a huge tamarind tree. Nakpalingou's group currently consists of 28 Koglweogo. On that day, many other candidates came to meet Django, the chief of the Koglweogo of the Eastern region. Before the Koglweogo settled, "it was almost impossible to return home with money without the risk of being beaten or even having your throat cut," said one herder. With most of Nakpalingou's inhabitants living off livestock, "life was exhausting, it was necessary to take responsibility for insecurity. October 13, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171011 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: scenes from life in Fada N'Gourma. The Eastern region, once classified as a "red zone" in terms of insecurity, had the highest number of armed attacks in the country. Major banditry, robberies and violent hold-ups have been daily since the early 2000s, paralyzing commercial activities. "Between 2010 and 2014, attacks had increased significantly, including the use of weapons of war," said Professor ra-Sabla Ouédraogo. Theft of livestock and goods, robberies, roadblocks, rapes, cross-border banditry networks, these were the evils that plagued Burkinabe society, terrorizing a population reduced to silence. October 11, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171013 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: Suspected of theft, Jiabouba Lelampo spent the night in detention at the headquarters of Sector 11 of Fada N'Gourma. October 13, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171013 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: The village of Nakpalingou is located a few minutes from the asphalt road, after having taken a narrow dented bush road. "The police never enter the village," the Koglweogo say in the shade of a huge tamarind tree. Nakpalingou's group currently consists of 28 Koglweogo. On that day, many other candidates came to meet Django, the chief of the Koglweogo of the Eastern region. Before the Koglweogo settled, "it was almost impossible to return home with money without the risk of being beaten or even having your throat cut," said one herder. With most of Nakpalingou's inhabitants living off livestock, "life was exhausting, it was necessary to take responsibility for insecurity. October 13, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171013 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: The koglweogo arrested a street child who was sleeping in a shop. Back at the headquarters, he will spend the cool autumn night there, finding it worthwhile to sleep, sitting half curled up on a wobbly bench. October 13, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171014 - BURKINA FASO, POTIAMANGA: Thirteen new members have joined Potiamanga's Koglweogo group, which now consists of 36 people. "We will have to increase the number of members to eradicate big banditry in the locality," explains Combary Nindia, the president of the Potiamanga association. "To become a Koglweogo, you have to adhere to the rules and take part in the initiation," he adds, with all the black magic that is omnipresent in Koglweogo activity. It is said that when you hit a thug, it is the evil in him that you make disappear. October 14, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171009 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: "We are reassured by the presence of the Koglweogo," report a large number of herders and traders met in the fervour of the livestock market. Thanks to them, the livestock trade has been able to resume in a secure environment. October 9, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20180114 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: "When a farmer has his cow stolen, when it represents his entire patrimony, how are human rights useful to him? Here, there is no functional institution or means. There is only a residue of the colonial system. Modern justice does not suit us. Freedom, human rights, dignity... We want to make sure that a thief doesn't steal anymore. And if that means taking away some of his dignity, we have no problem. We defend the people's interests at all costs. " - Customary chief of Po. January 14, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20180114 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: "When a farmer has his cow stolen, when it represents his entire patrimony, how are human rights useful to him? Here, there is no functional institution or means. There is only a residue of the colonial system. Modern justice does not suit us. Freedom, human rights, dignity... We want to make sure that a thief doesn't steal anymore. And if that means taking away some of his dignity, we have no problem. We defend the people's interests at all costs. " - Customary chief of Po. January 14, 2018. PHOTO OLIVE TREE PAPEGNIES

20171016 - BURKINA FASO, ZAONGO: Boureima Nadbanka, chief of the Koglweogo of the Namentenga province attends the mourning ceremony of a member of the association. The festive event takes place in the village of Zaongo, about thirty kilometres from Boulsa. The charismatic chief is welcomed with honours: griots and "masks" dance for him. "The Koglweogo chiefs are community leaders. No one would question their role," explains Aimé Béogo, who knows the issue inside out. January 16, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171014 - BURKINA FASO, POTIAMANGA: On the initiative of Django, the chief of the Koglweogo of Fada N'Gourma, high dignitaries, customary chiefs and villagers from three hamlets of culture met in the plain of Potiamanga, to the rhythm of the djembes. Under festive gait and blazing sunshine, they attended a sensitization session on the rationale and activities of the Koglweogo movement. This meeting is an essential prerequisite for the installation of a new group. October 14, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

220171024 - BURKINA FASO, OUAGADOUGOU: The Koglweogo leaders present at the headquarters of the 10th arrondissement of Ouagadougou are leaving to say their mid-day prayer (dhuhr). January 24, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171009 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: The Koglweogo group of Fada N'Gourma, currently meeting under the busiest tree in a vast plain on the edge of the city, has found a place to build its new headquarters. The building, consisting of four cramped rooms, will serve as a "prison", allowing the alleged perpetrators to be held for the duration of the investigation. "When they talk about arrest and detention, the Koglweogo are actually guilty of kidnapping," said Ismael Gnaon, a magistrate from the Fada N'Gourma court. October 9, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171009 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: A commercial crossroads, the town of Fada N'Gourma and the major cross-border roads that connect it with neighbouring countries were the targets of robbers, highway robbers and thieves. Before the arrival of the Koglweogo in 2015, these activities of large-scale banditry had remarkable consequences on the security of the inhabitants, herders, farmers and traders, preventing them from carrying out their activities and thus depriving them of income. In a country where 80% of the people live from livestock breeding and agriculture, securing one's property is a matter of survival. Without livestock, without crops, there are no means to provide for food, children's education and health care. October 9, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171009 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: At the height of their presence, the Koglweogo controlled all transactions in the market. Anyone who did not have the precious receipt attesting to the origin of their livestock ran the risk of being accused of theft. Today, they no longer seem to be in control. Although they are no longer ostentatiously present inside the perimeter wall, the Koglweogo remain "mobilized" in case of theft. October 9, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171011 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: scenes from life in Fada N'Gourma. The Eastern region, once classified as a "red zone" in terms of insecurity, had the highest number of armed attacks in the country. Major banditry, robberies and violent hold-ups have been daily since the early 2000s, paralyzing commercial activities. "Between 2010 and 2014, attacks had increased significantly, including the use of weapons of war," said Professor ra-Sabla Ouédraogo. Theft of livestock and goods, robberies, roadblocks, rapes, cross-border banditry networks, these were the evils that plagued Burkinabe society, terrorizing a population reduced to silence. October 11, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171014 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: Thirteen new members have joined the Koglweogo group in Potiamanga, which now consists of 36 people. "We will have to increase the number of members further to eradicate big banditry in the locality," says Combary Nindia, the president of the Potiamanga association. "To become a Koglweogo, you have to adhere to the rules and take part in the initiation," he adds, with all the black magic that is omnipresent in Koglweogo activity. It is said that when you hit a thug, it is the evil in him that you make disappear. October 14, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171024 - BURKINA FASO, OUAGADOUGOU: The six accused are taken to prison. They get up and untangle the chains that hang from their ankles and link them to each other. January 24, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171023 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Each Koglweogo group is composed of at least 21 members. Most of them are "wibsé" or soldiers, active in the field. They can be mobilized 24 hours a day and are on duty day and night. Their grip is certainly less strong, particularly because it is less visible. However, the Koglweogo continue to expand and become more structured, demanding official recognition from the authorities. January 23, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171016 - BURKINA FASO, ZAONGO: The Koglweogo of Boulsa are one of the few groups to benefit from a car for their activities. Nadbanka, accompanied by a small delegation from Koglweogo, goes to a mourning ceremony. The only weapon the group possesses, they say, is brandished along the way. "We used violence a lot in the beginning, to show our strength. But we had to cut back. We no longer wear our weapons or costumes ostentatiously," says Sayouba, a founding member of the Boulsa association. January 16, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171023 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Each Koglweogo group is composed of at least 21 members. Most of them are "wibsé" or soldiers, active in the field. They can be mobilized 24 hours a day and are on duty day and night. Their grip is certainly less strong, particularly because it is less visible. However, the Koglweogo continue to expand and become more structured, demanding official recognition from the authorities. January 23, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171023 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Each Koglweogo group is composed of at least 21 members. Most of them are "wibsé" or soldiers, active in the field. They can be mobilized 24 hours a day and are on duty day and night. Their grip is certainly less strong, particularly because it is less visible. However, the Koglweogo continue to expand and become more structured, demanding official recognition from the authorities. January 23, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171021 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Koglweogo claim unity. "Thanks to the Koglweogo, the customary chiefs meet and forge ties," uniting the population in a movement of solidarity "beyond ethnic affiliations and religious beliefs," says Sapouy's Nabaa. Today, the movement is weaving its web and trying, despite differences in ideas and practices, to structure itself at the national level. January 21, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171021 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Koglweogo claim unity. "Thanks to the Koglweogo, the customary chiefs meet and forge ties," uniting the population in a movement of solidarity "beyond ethnic affiliations and religious beliefs," says Sapouy's Nabaa. Today, the movement is weaving its web and trying, despite differences in ideas and practices, to structure itself at the national level. January 21, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171021 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Dragged under the tamarind tree, he is soon surrounded by a vindictive crowd. With the arrest of this informant, which marks the beginning of the dismantling of a network of cross-border banditry, the party turns into a victory. January 21, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171021 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Dragged under the tamarind tree, he is soon surrounded by a vindictive crowd. With the arrest of this informant, which marks the beginning of the dismantling of a network of cross-border banditry, the party turns into a victory. January 21, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171021 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: Faced with the danger that the crowd represents for the physical integrity of the suspect, he is taken to the prison, crossing the plain under the quolibets of hundreds of Koglweogo who follow in his footsteps. January 21, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171022 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: The day after his arrest, we find "the old man" chained to a tamarind root. Dozens of people parade, surround him, observe him and, finally, attend his hearing with the "wise men". As the judge is weakened, they will exceptionally not decide his fate immediately. January 22, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171021 - BURKINA FASO, SAPOUY: The chief of the Koglweogo of Sapouy is constantly receiving members of the group or villagers. He arbitrates conflicts when they arise. January 21, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171020 - BURKINA FASO, LEO: The Koglweogo movement is an emanation of the people. When they don't assume their responsibility as "soldiers", their members go about their business. Zakaria is a farmer and owns a small piece of land next to Leo's Koglweogo headquarters. January 20, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171018 - BURKINA FASO, POUYTENGA: Pouytenga is a city in the Central Plateau with 120,000 inhabitants. Its Koglweogo are particularly criticized for their use of violence against thieves. They defend themselves by explaining the situation that prevailed before their arrival: "We have suffered here. We suffered here. There were many attacks at home, the population was in danger of dying under the blows of assailants who were released," recalls Naaba Koutou Kande, the local customary chief. "Laws and human rights are not well known. We don't know much about the laws and human rights," says Moussa Ouédraogo, a member of the Koglweogo of Pouytenga. "We are told we are breaking the law. At least, thanks to us, a thief won't steal any more," continues the representative of the local merchants, who depicts an extremely precarious situation for the trade before the arrival of the Koglweogo. Lack of education is cited as a reason for both human rights abuses and often unwavering support for the movement. But this is not the only reason. Criticism of laws and rights imported by the colonists, denying the specificities of African society, applying to it without regard to its history, culture and mentality, is systematically repeated. January 18, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171020 - BURKINA FASO, LEO: When he is not in his garage, repairing cars and motorcycles; or in his hut looking after his small livestock, his cow and his birds, Diasso proudly dons his Koglweogo costume. This father of two children joined the movement from its foundation. And if the days are long and hard, he does not regret his choice. "I'm not only protecting my family, but all the citizens of Leo," he says, motivating the young man. January 20, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171020 - BURKINA FASO, LEO: Pole Compaoré, arrested the night before, is tied up, the stolen phone highlighted. The humiliation is claimed as such by the Koglweogo. In addition to being a strong instrument of retaliation, it is also an "educational tool", according to many Burkinabé. Fadilatou agrees: "It's shameful! After that, we won't steal for sure," says the teenager, who stopped on her way to school. January 20, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171020 - BURKINA FASO, LEO: Pole Compaoré, arrested the night before, is tied up, the stolen phone highlighted. The humiliation is claimed as such by the Koglweogo. In addition to being a strong instrument of retaliation, it is also an "educational tool", according to many Burkinabé. Fadilatou agrees: "It's shameful! After that, we won't steal for sure," says the teenager, who stopped on her way to school. On 20 January 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171020 - BURKINA FASO, LEO: Pole's screams barely cover the slaps of the whips raining down on his back. With each blow - a dozen or so - his body rears up, his muscles tense up and his face tensed up: "One strikes hard, one corrects well so that a bad person becomes good," says Zongo, one of the "wibsŽ" (soldiers) on guard that day. It's like a conversion," he says, face like an angel, shotgun slung over his shoulder and knife tied around his thigh. "I won't do it again," whispered the young Pole in a muffled voice. January 20, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171020 - BURKINA FASO, LEO: Corporal punishment is common in Koglweogo practice. Ismael Gnaon, magistrate of the jurisdiction of Fada N'gourma, admits it bluntly: "Koglweogo are diabolically effective. No one can deny that. But does the end justify all the means? "he asks before giving the answer himself: "If we applied the same methods as them, we would be just as effective". The Koglweogo take on the roles of policemen, vigilantes and executioners: they arrest, judge, condemn and thus take the place of the competent authorities. Above all, some of their practices contravene respect for human rights. "When they talk about arrest and detention, they are in fact guilty of kidnapping; 'chicotage', 'correction', this corporal abuse to obtain confessions or as punishment is torture; the fines imposed by some groups are extortion," he says. January 20, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171019 - BURKINA FASO, LEO: The various patrols are positioned along the road at strategic points frequented by bandits. "They cut the road and rob people who come to sell their livestock and goods, or those who return to Ghana with the money from their sales," said Zio, the president of Leo's Koglweogo. "We are here to protect those who use this road. " January 19, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171019 - BURKINA FASO, LEO: The various patrols are positioned along the road at strategic points frequented by bandits. "They cut the road and rob people who come to sell their livestock and goods, or those who return to Ghana with the money from their sales," said Zio, the president of Leo's Koglweogo. "We are here to protect those who use this road. " January 19, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171013 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: Djiabouba Lelampo is lurking in the shadow of a cold room in the hidden window of this concrete shelter that looks like a mini-prison. Suspected of theft, he sits on a mat with his back straight and his legs outstretched. His ankles are chained and tied to his wrists. Shirtless, his pants fall down and reveal the top of his buttocks. He remains stoic. "The evidence overwhelms him, he will collaborate. We're going to get a confession out of him," says a Koglweogo. October 13, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES

20171013 - BURKINA FASO, FADA N'GOURMA: The Koglweogo of Sector 11 of Fada N'Gourma patrol at night three times a week on days when the livestock market is very influential. Most of the soldiers are summarily armed, with a 12-gauge shotgun or knife, which they consider "indispensable for self-defence". They go into the night using their flashlights sparingly, so as not to be spotted. The aim is to catch the thugs in the act. "We walk slowly and quietly," they say. October 13th, 2017. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES