OUAGADOUGOU – In a decisive move to strengthen the fight against terrorism, President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso announced the creation of a new combat brigade, named the Special Rapid Intervention Brigade. This announcement was part of his New Year message delivered on Sunday, emphasizing intensified efforts for the reconquest of territorial integrity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the formation of this first combat brigade aligns with the ongoing reorganization and strategic reinforcement of the Burkinabè armed forces. The Special Rapid Intervention Brigade will amalgamate various rapid intervention battalions, special forces groups, and specific units, enhancing the military’s operational capabilities in addressing the security situation in the country.
The Head of State further detailed the broader strategy, which includes a strategic equipment plan and a reorganization scheme for the various forces. This plan, conceived in 2023, will come into fruition in 2024 with the introduction of new heavy protection means and an increase in the firepower of combat units.
Additionally, Captain Traoré set a goal for the year 2024 to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their localities. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to not only combat terrorism but also to address the humanitarian impact arising from the conflict.
Burkina Faso has been grappling with terrorist attacks for eight years, resulting in the loss of several hundred lives, the displacement of thousands, and the closure of numerous health centers and schools. Since assuming office on September 30, 2022, Captain Traoré has implemented significant measures to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. These include a general mobilization, reorganization of the Armed Forces, an increase in military personnel and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), acquisition of substantial military logistics from new partners, initiation of voluntary contributions, and suspension of certain taxes to finance the war against terrorism.