The key figure in the system was the commandant in each cercle , who was almost always a European .
Who was closest to the indigenous population in his duties of collecting taxes , overseeing works projects , maintaining peace and security , and carrying out administrative decrees .
The key figure in the system was the commandant in each cercle , who was almost always a European and who was closest to the indigenous population in his duties of collecting taxes , overseeing works projects , maintaining peace and security , and carrying out administrative decrees .