The Burkinabe transitional government has said it is considering setting up a brigade within the army to secure mining sites in the country.

Minning sites have come under attack by jihadist groups.

Addressing the parliament Tuesday, the Minister of Mines, Simon Pierre Boussim, said the government is studying the idea of creating a brigade to reinforce military escorts of supply convoys to mining sites.

The special unit will also provide the soldiers in charge of securing investments in the mining sector with substantial equipment.

Already six industrial mines have closed due to insecurity, resulting in a loss of revenue to the state of more than five billion CFA francs.

Youssouf Ouattara a Burkinabe public affairs analyst joins us wth more.