Burkina Faso/The General Mobilization: What expected from this decision?

The Burkinabe people appreciated the «general mobilization» that the transitional government declared on April 13th. But as is often the case, they would like to know more details about it. Here they are!

The introduction of general mobilization aims to legally require every male Burkinabe citizen to undergo military enlistment to defend the country against jihadist attacks.

This decision follows the requisition which captain Ibrahim Traoré addressed to the Constitutional Council in December 2022. That allowed the President to take exceptional measures alone to fight against terrorism.

Once the decree is confirmed, every man within a certain age range can be enlisted in the army to fight against terrorism.

Observers’ reactions are currently optimistic. Most believe that the decree, in its current form, still shows the patriotic commitment of the authorities to the fight against terrorism in Burkina Faso.

Finally, the “warning” measure that accompanies the general mobilization allows for restrictions on freedoms, particularly the right to assembly, and limits media access to sources of information.

In addition, the possibilities of home searches are extended.