In Dédougou, Burkina Faso, the military garrison recently closed its activities in preparation for the 66th anniversary of the country's armed forces. The events concluded on October 29, 2026, at the 51st Commando Infantry Regiment's sports complex. The final match of the military balloon tournament was played between teams "Gnatamou" and "Gondal," with Gnatamou emerging victorious, winning 9-8.
The teams participating in the tournament were comprised of various military and security units. Gnatamou consisted of the Water and Forestry department, the 4th Rapid Intervention Group, and the provincial police department of Mouhoun. On the other hand, Gondal was made up of the 16th Fire and Rescue Company, the Anti-Crime Brigade, and the customs department. The winning team, Gnatamou, received a trophy and 50,000 FCFA, while Gondal received 40,000 FCFA.
A total of four teams participated in the tournament. The teams that ranked third and fourth received 30,000 FCFA and 20,000 FCFA, respectively. Additionally, the fair-play team and the top scorer and goalkeeper were also awarded. These activities formed part of the preparations for the 66th anniversary of the Burkinabè armed forces, which is set to be commemorated on November 1, 2026, in Dédougou.
The events began with a popular cross-country run on October 20, 2026. The final match was preceded by a gala match between female players and officers from the garrison, with the officers winning 4-2. The lieutenant-colonel Hamado Kafandao, commander of the 5th Legion of Gendarmerie and sponsor of the commemoration, praised the beauty of the game displayed during the competitions.
According to Kafandao, the best team won, but no one lost, as the different units of the garrison emerged more united and solidary with a strengthened cohesion. He invited regional populations to participate in the commemorative ceremony of the 66th anniversary of the army, which will take place on November 1, 2026, in Dédougou.
The ceremony will be presided over by the commander of the 5th Military Region, lieutenant-colonel Idrissa Sosthène Coulibaly. It will feature a ceremony of taking of arms followed by a decoration. The events have showcased the unity and solidarity of the military units in the region.
The military garrison in Dédougou has demonstrated its commitment to celebrating the 66th anniversary of the Burkinabè armed forces. The various activities have highlighted the importance of unity and solidarity among the military units.
Key points
- The military balloon tournament was part of the preparations for the 66th anniversary of the Burkinabè armed forces.
- The winning team, Gnatamou, received a trophy and 50,000 FCFA.
- The commemorative ceremony will take place on November 1, 2026, in Dédougou.
