Day: April 8, 2024

DJIBO — In a spirited display of unity and patriotic fervor, residents of Djibo, alongside defense and security forces, gathered on Sunday, April 7, for a communal cleaning event at the town hall. This activity, part of the national patriotic days, began at dawn and aimed to enhance the aesthetics and sanitation of the municipal premises.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Prefect and President of the Special Delegation of Djibo, the cleanup commenced at 8:00 am after a significant number of participants, including defense and security forces and groups of local youths, had already assembled. Participants, armed with brooms, picks, and shovels, eagerly contributed to the effort, underscoring the community’s commitment to improving their environment and responding to the President of Faso’s call for civic engagement.

The event saw the participation of various defense and security units, including elements of the 14th RIA, national gendarmerie, national and municipal police, prison security guard, and the Homeland Defense Volunteers. Additionally, citizen watch associations from the city rallied their members, contributing to the thorough cleanup that left no corner of the Town Hall premises overlooked.

Efforts focused on the removal of dead leaves, garbage piles, and plastic bags, with waste being promptly disposed of or burned on-site. Women, arriving later, took up brooms in a symbolic gesture of appreciation towards the defense and security forces for their role in maintaining security. Their involvement, along with the contribution of a local benefactor who provided a water tank for flower watering, further exemplified the collective spirit driving the day’s activities.

By 10:00 am, the transformation of the town hall’s surroundings was evident, with the rising sun and growing heat marking the conclusion of the morning’s endeavors. Latecomers, upon hearing of the activity, hurried to join, adding to the sense of community achievement.

The cleanup culminated in closing remarks from the President of the Special Delegation, who, surrounded by leaders of the defense and security forces and his First Vice-President, applauded the efforts of all participants. He expressed gratitude for their patriotic commitment, which not only revitalized the Town Hall but also strengthened the bonds between the defense and security forces and the Djibo community. The event set a precedent for future patriotic initiatives, reinforcing the importance of collective action in community development and national pride.

Pô, Burkina Faso – The Georges Namoano Military Academy and the Nahouri province officials initiated a series of community-engaging activities on April 6, 2024, in Pô, to commemorate the graduation of the academy’s 23rd promotion of active student officers. This initiative, heralded by the academy’s commander, Williams Baguéra, and the High Commissioner of the Nahouri province, Auguste Kinda, precedes the official graduation ceremony to be presided over by Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the event kicked off with a public cross country race, marking the beginning of a lineup of activities designed to honor the young officers. These activities include community service days at public services and places, a maracana football tournament with the final scheduled for April 13, 2024, a blood donation drive at the CMA of Pô, an inter-corps military competition, and board games.

Commander Williams Baguéra emphasized that these activities are intended to foster a sense of unity between the local population and the Pô garrison’s Defense and Security Forces. By engaging in such activities, the aim is to break down barriers and encourage public support for the forces involved in reclaiming national territory.

The High Commissioner, Auguste Kinda, commended the strong community turnout in support of the defense and security forces, viewing it as a testament to the positive relationship between the military and the residents of Pô. Kinda’s call to the community for continued support and participation in upcoming events underlines the significance of such initiatives in bolstering social cohesion and mutual respect.

PÔ — On April 6, 2024, the Nahouri province, led by High Commissioner Auguste Kinda, embarked on a significant health day initiative at the Nahouri High Commission as part of the National Days of patriotic commitment. This event saw the active participation of various community members, including provincial directors, department heads, defense and security forces, opinion leaders, and volunteers dedicated to defending the homeland, all coming together to clean the high commission’s courtyard.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative follows a successful launch of the days of patriotic commitment and citizen participation that took place on March 26, 2024, marked by the ceremonial raising of colors. The latest mobilization for a health day reflects the province’s commitment to not only maintain a pleasant living environment but also embody the spirit of patriotism through collective action.

From the early hours of the morning, participants equipped with machetes, rakes, and brooms gathered at the High Commission’s courtyard, demonstrating a shared resolve to enhance the cleanliness and aesthetic of their communal space. The High Commissioner expressed his gratitude towards all those who contributed to this significant effort, highlighting it as a testament to the province’s unity and dedication to patriotic values.

Kinda also seized the opportunity to advocate for the cultivation of tolerance, communal harmony, and support for internally displaced persons within the province, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in times of need. He further called upon customary and religious authorities to offer blessings and prayers for the security forces actively involved in efforts to reclaim national territory.

The health day activities conducted in Pô were part of a broader initiative that spanned across all five municipalities of the Nahouri province, underlining the widespread engagement in the National Days of patriotic commitment and citizen participation. This collective effort not only underscores the community’s commitment to civic responsibility but also fosters a sense of national pride and cooperation among its members.

PÔ — In a ceremony that marks a significant milestone in the careers of young military cadets, the Georges Namoano Military Academy in Pô, Nahouri, witnessed the official presentation of the flag to its newest members on April 5, 2024. Lieutenant-Colonel Michel Armand Ouédraogo, Commander of the schools and training centers of the Army, presided over the event, symbolizing the end of the initiation period for the cadets and their formal entry into the ranks of the national armed forces.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony showcased the presentation to the flag of 137 active student officers of the 24th promotion, 62 specialist student officers of the 14th promotion, and 63 student officers from the 8th promotion of cadet officers. Among these were 11 female personnel from eleven African countries in the 24th promotion, 07 female personnel of Burkinabè nationality in the 14th promotion, and 04 female personnel of Burkinabè nationality in the 8th promotion, all from the prestigious Georges Namoano Military Academy (AMGN) of Pô.

The event was graced by regional authorities, including the Secretary General of the Center-South region, Ouo Abibata Bamouni/Traoré, emphasizing the importance of the ceremony in the military and regional community. The presentation to the flag not only signifies the completion of the cadets’ introductory training but also represents their commitment to serve their countries with dedication and to uphold the honor of the flag, even at the risk of their lives.

The ceremony also featured the tradition of the wearing of loops, a symbolic act where the new cadets are recognized by their seniors from the 23rd promotion. This act reinforces the continuity and camaraderie within the armed forces, connecting generations of military personnel through shared values and commitments.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ouédraogo took the opportunity to commend the AMGN staff for their dedication and offered words of encouragement and advice to the newly inducted officer cadets. Highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the cadets, the event celebrated the inclusion of 25 doctors among the specialist student officers and participants from countries across Africa, including Benin, Congo-Brazzaville, Cameroon, Djibouti, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Senegal, Chad, Togo, and the Central African Republic.

This ceremony underscores the critical role of the Georges Namoano Military Academy in preparing the next generation of military leaders, ready to serve their nations with honor and distinction.