Burkina Faso’s Volunteers Brigade for Homeland Defense is calling for mass mobilisation in the face of emerging security challenges following the country’s decision to quit the West African regional grouping.
The departure of the country together with Mali and Niger takes place against the backdrop of rapid change in the geopolitics of the Sahel.
At the monthly flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Colonel Thomas Savadogo, Commander of the Volunteers Brigade for Homeland Defense (BVDP), in his speech, highlighted the security issues resulting from the withdrawal of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The commander described the AES withdrawal, effective since January 29, 2025, as a “historic event with major implications.”
He warned that this disengagement could generate “numerous security events” requiring increased vigilance.
Faced with these uncertainties, Savadogo called on the ”patriotic forces” to maintain their commitment.
“The pressure will continue, and it is up to us to fight. If we refuse to fight, no one else will come to do it for us,” he said, stressing the need to reorganise the Mixed Marching Battalions.
The commander concluded his speech by paying tribute to the BVDP personnel, describing them as a “symbol of resistance” in the face of current challenges.
In January 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their “immediate” withdrawal from ECOWAS, which only became effective a year later, according to the procedural rules of the regional body.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA