The government of Burkina Faso has raised over 101.8 billion CFA francs ($183 million) through its Patriotic Support Fund (FSP) between January and June 2025, according to Prime Minister Rimtalba Ouédraogo.
The announcement was made Friday during the second ordinary session of the fund’s steering committee in Ouagadougou. The amount represents over two-thirds of the 150 billion CFA francs ($269.4 million) projected for the full year.
Despite persistent economic and security challenges, the Prime Minister praised the commitment of citizens for their continued commitment and solidarity
“Every contribution counts. Every gesture of solidarity brings us closer to defeating terrorism and restoring our national sovereignty,” Ouédraogo said, calling on both citizens and Burkinabe living abroad to continue supporting the fund.
Minister of Economy, Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, said that contributions have been increasing steadily. He explained that the money is used to support the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), a civilian force assisting the military.
According to him, the funds cover their bonuses, food, healthcare, and other operational costs related to securing and reclaiming national territory.
The Patriotic Support Fund was created on January 11, 2023, to help finance the fight against terrorism, particularly through support for the VDP.
According to AIB, it raised over 99 billion CFA francs ($177.8 million), surpassing its target of 80 billion ($143.7 million) in 2023. In 2024, it collected 175 billion CFA francs ($314.3 million), exceeding the year’s goal of 150 billion.
Burkina Faso has been battling a jihadist insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS since 2015, which has stalled development. However, the country has reported notable progress in its fight against terrorism.
Authorities have expanded the recruitment and training of thousands of VDP members, strengthening community-level resistance in rural areas. Several regions once controlled by armed groups have been retaken, and supply routes previously cut off by terrorist attacks have reopened. Schools that were shut down due to insecurity have been reopened as well.
The fund is part of the country’s strategy to mobilise resources and citizens to regain control over territories lost to armed groups and to improve development.
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