Gursi occupied a strategic position in south-western Yatenga during the formation of the Yatenga kingdom. By the time Naaba Yadega arrived, the region contained several Mossi commands, and Gursi was one of the principal strongholds alongside Minima. Its location placed it near both newly established Mossi territory and Samo territory.

Naaba Yadega established himself firmly at Gursi after leaving the struggle for power with Naaba Kumdumye. From this base, he sought to neutralize Naaba Swida, ally with Naaba Warma, and extend conquest toward the Samo. He also created a second residential area at Lago, linking Gursi to the emerging royal geography of Yatenga.

Gursi had an economic role beyond its political importance. It is described as a crafts and trading center and as a staging post on a caravan route at a very early period. These functions made it a useful meeting point between political authority, regional production, and long-distance movement.