Burkina Faso's Minister of State for War and Patriotic Defense, Célestin Simporé, presented the main achievements of his department over the past four years at an event in Ouagadougou on October 2, 2026. The presentation was part of the launch of the second phase of the National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Citizenship Participation. Simporé highlighted several key initiatives and accomplishments, including the recruitment of Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland.
The recruitment of Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland was launched in October 2022, with initial projections of 35,000 communal and 15,000 national volunteers. However, nearly 90,000 volunteers came forward. To support these volunteers, the government established the Patriotic Support Fund, officially launched on January 20, 2023. The fund aims to finance the primes, food, equipment, and healthcare of the volunteers.
Simporé also discussed a major reorganization of the national armed forces. The number of military regions was increased from three to six. The first Rapid Intervention Battalions were created in November 2022, and their numbers grew to around 30 within a year. The minister highlighted an increase in military personnel and equipment, including higher recruitment of officers and exceptional promotions for those engaged in combat.
The minister emphasized improvements in equipment and capabilities, including individual and collective armament and protective gear. He also mentioned enhanced aerial surveillance and intervention capabilities, as well as the acquisition of long-range weapons. Operationally, Simporé cited several localities where the military has regained control, including Solenzo, which was retaken in December 2022.
Simporé reported that populations are gradually returning to certain areas previously occupied, and administration and basic social services are resuming activities. He stressed that the issue of territorial occupation should no longer be a concern, stating that "no parcel of territory escapes us." The minister also mentioned the creation of the Agency for Support to Widows, Orphans, and War Mutilés.
The minister discussed the new reserve military system, which has been legislated to allow more Burkinabè citizens to participate in national defense. The goal is to recruit 100,000 reservists. Citizens over 18 years old present at the event were invited to register for patriotic defense at a dedicated stand.
Simporé also addressed the end of military cooperation with France, recalling the denunciation of defense agreements in January 2023 and the withdrawal of French forces from Burkinabè territory. He emphasized that the country now seeks cooperation based on mutual respect and a win-win principle. The minister concluded by highlighting military cooperation within the Sahel States Confederation.
Key points
- The Burkinabè government has made significant strides in defense and security, including the recruitment of nearly 90,000 volunteers for the defense of the homeland.
- A major reorganization of the national armed forces has been undertaken, including the creation of new military regions and rapid intervention battalions.
- The government has prioritized a new approach to military cooperation, based on mutual respect and a win-win principle, following the end of cooperation with France.
