Burkina Faso: The Army Aims to Strengthen Its Ranks with 5000 VDP
In Burkina Faso, The Army aims to integrate 5.000 VDP (Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland) into its ranks. According to the Burkina Faso Information Agency, the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs is launching an exceptional recruitment drive for 5.000 rank-and-file soldiers, including 250 females, among the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP).
«Young volunteers wishing to be recruited will be registered with their files at the units and formations they belong to or at the headquarters of the Brigade for the Defense of the Fatherland», from December 12th to December 20th, 2023, states a Ministry of Defense press release.
The recruitment concerns 4.750 boys and 250 girls born between January 1st, 1988, and December 31st, 2005, the note emphasizes.
As a reminder, President Ibrahim Traoré, committed to eradicating terrorism entirely, chose to confront enemy groups relying solely on internal forces. In this context, the government launched a recruitment drive in October 2022, calling for 50,000 volunteers to support the military, aiming for a substantial force against the strength of the enemy. Over 90.000 civilians responded to this call.
The remarkable participation of these volunteers alongside the military significantly contributed to advancing in reclaiming territory. Before their deployment to the front lines, they receive training at a center covering not only military operations but also human rights. They operate in battalions on the ground, acting only upon the commands of the armed forces.
Due to their highly appreciated contribution to the ongoing fight to liberate the country, the Head of State aims to improve their welfare by increasing it by 35% and providing life insurance in 2024.
According to security sources, a few months ago, the army began the integration of the most deserving in its ranks. At the same time, it is continuing to recruit young people willing to voluntarily defend their homeland, in order to meet its new ambitions.
 Karim Koné
