Burkina Faso: A Wave of Solidarity from Saaba 2 Community towards Valiant VDP

In Burkina Faso on Thursday, December 7th, 2023, the Minister of State for Public Service, Labor, and Social Protection, Bassolma Bazié, received valuable support. The Association of Solidarity Residents of Saaba 2 (ARSCS) donated equipment to benefit the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), thereby contributing to bolstering the fighting forces on the ground.

This commendable initiative was inspired by a photo of the Minister of State taken during his visit to the field on Sunday, November 13th. The image depicted VDP with insufficient equipment, prompting the ARSCS to take action. Mady Sawadogo, the Secretary-General of ARSCS, explained: «This made us aware of the necessity to assist the government in equipping our fighting forces».

The act of solidarity by ARSCS resulted in the collection of equipment such as balaclavas, sweaters, boots, mosquito repellent kits, valued at over one million CFA francs. Mr. Sawadogo emphasized the importance of everyone’s contribution, including a second-year student who participated with 500 CFA francs.

Minister of State Bassolma Bazié praised this remarkable gesture, seeing it as an encouragement for authorities to stay close to the ground. He assured the donors that the official handover of this donation to the concerned VDP would take place very soon. He also highlighted the significance of sacrifices made by the entire population in the fight against terrorism.

For the Minister of State, solidarity among citizens is an essential virtue to win the war against terrorism. Mady Sawadogo, ARSCS Secretary, shares this conviction, calling for setting aside differences to unite forces and safeguard what is essential in this context of war faced by Burkina Faso.

Sadia NYA.