Burkina Faso Minister Bazié Criticizes Those Avoiding Anti-Terrorist Requisitions

OUAGADOUGOU – Burkina Faso’s Minister of State in charge of the Civil Service, Bassolma Bazié, expressed strong views on Saturday regarding citizens avoiding requisitions for the anti-terrorist front. He emphasized the importance of personal commitment in the nation’s fight against terrorism.

According to Burkina Information Agency, individuals who evade requisitions in these critical times should feel a sense of shame, especially when considering the future explanations they must provide to their families. He stressed that in a period of national crisis, one should not hesitate to voluntarily join the front lines rather than waiting to be requisitioned.

The Minister’s comments came in response to the recent wave of requisitions addressed to certain citizens, particularly those deemed critical of the Transition and the government’s strategy against terrorists. Bazié criticized those who downplay the seriousness of the situation at the front, suggesting that such individuals should experience the reality of the conditions there.

Bazié also addressed skeptics who believe that the images and videos of the Combatant Forces’ offensives, broadcast by the National Television of Burkina, are fabricated using video games or artificial intelligence. He argued that no one should refuse to join the front and benefit from the efforts of peasants who cultivate crops under the constant threat of armed conflict.

Reflecting on his personal situation, Bazié, who is often seen in military attire on social networks, shared that he would be proud to serve at the front alongside the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), especially if he were to leave his government position.

Burkina Faso has been enduring terrorist attacks for eight years, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives, the displacement of thousands, and the closure of numerous health centers and schools. Since his appointment on September 30, 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the President of Burkina Faso, has implemented a series of measures to strengthen the country’s response to terrorism. These include a general mobilization, reorganization of the Armed Forces, expansion of the VDP, acquisition of military logistics from new partners, and introduction of voluntary contributions and tax suspensions to fund the anti-terrorist efforts.