The People’s Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted a new law establishing the status of the military reserve in Burkina Faso, a reform aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities amid the ongoing security crisis.
The government plans to create a complementary force of 100,000 reservists before the end of 2026. The law provides for two categories of reservists. The first category consists of former military personnel, former police officers, and former Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland who are already trained and immediately mobilisable. The second category includes civilian volunteers and former conscripts of the Patriotic National Service who will receive military and civic training.
According to the Minister of Defence, Major General Célestin Simporé, the law will enable better organisation of national forces and reinforce Burkina Faso’s security sovereignty. Authorities have clarified that engagement in the reserve is voluntary and does not constitute professional employment.
The measure is part of the national strategy for territorial reconquest and strengthening the Army Nation link. Burkina Faso has been battling a jihadist insurgency for years, with large swathes of territory outside government control. The creation of a military reserve follows similar steps taken by neighbouring Mali and Niger as Sahel states seek to bolster their security forces against armed groups.
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