Ouagadougou—The President of the Transition and Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, engaged in a direct and frank exchange with the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) on Thursday. This meeting was an opportunity for Captain Traoré to pay tribute to the men and women who have taken up arms alongside the Defense and Security Forces to defend Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Burkina Faso is waging a war of independence that requires a firm commitment to freedom from slavery. He urged the VDP to continue fighting to free their homeland. "This war is to get us out of slavery. Either we agree to fight or we remain slaves," he said. Captain Traoré emphasized the need for the VDP to protect themselves and draw on cultural strategies to combat terrorism. He also advised against spreading information on social networks that could compromise their security.

The commander of the Brigade of Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Sawadogo, expressed gratitude to the President for closely following actions on the ground and ensuring substantial resources are provided. VDP spokespersons from the thirteen regions submitted their concerns, including the need for equipment, large-scale operations, social care, and training. The President assured them that these needs would be addressed, announcing the acquisition of equipment and the launch of recruitment in the army.