On the eve of the national holiday, Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, addressed the nation, celebrating the recent military reconquest of territory, advocating for rapid industrialization, and urging all sectors to commit to the People’s Progressive Revolution (RPP).
Speaking to the nation on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of independence (celebrated December 11, 2025), Captain Traoré began by paying a vibrant tribute to the Combatant Forces. He noted that over the past year, their “bold offensive” has enabled the reconquest of several areas formerly considered enemy strongholds.
President Traoré highlighted the success of recent military operations: “Several areas have been recaptured in one month… All enemy resistance that opposed our forces has been crushed, and we have suffered no loss of life during these offensives, only a few minor injuries.”
The Supreme Commander of the Burkinabè Armed Forces encouraged an intensification of the fight, stating that the criminals “have been dislodged from several zones and are fleeing Burkina Faso,” giving them the two choices: flee or die.
The Burkinabè Head of State reiterated that the quest for full sovereignty is driven by the ongoing Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP).
“Burkina Faso today is a showcase, a model,” President Traoré insisted. “We are being watched, people are following us, and we have no choice but to succeed. We are on the right track, and we will succeed.”
He urged economic operators to change their approach by prioritizing the industrialization of the country. This means processing raw materials locally to create jobs and guarantee economic sovereignty.
Traoré also commended the efforts of teachers, healthcare workers, and the agricultural sector for their contribution to the agropastoral offensive, which is aimed at achieving food and health sovereignty. “Anyone who speaks of sovereignty cannot then beg for food,” he added.
Concluding his address, the President called for Burkina Faso to become an inspiring model for the entire continent, reaffirming his commitment to fighting imperialism: “Africans are watching Burkina Faso, which has created a model, and this model must therefore inspire other peoples to join the fight for revolution, so that Africa may be free, dignified, and prosperous.”
HO/ac/fss/abj/APA