BOBO-DIOULASSO — A significant milestone was achieved at the Ouezzin Coulibaly camp on Friday as 1,246 non-commissioned officers graduated from the 50th class of the National School of Non-Commissioned Officers of the Gendarmerie, named ‘Espoir’. The event was overseen by General Kassoum Coulibaly, Minister of State, Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was a significant event marked by the presence of several high-ranking officials including the head of the ENSOG corps, Squadron Leader Souleymane Coulibaly, and the sponsor, Brigadier General Pingrenoma Zagré, Grand Chancellor of the Burkinabe Orders. The officials stressed the importance of serving with integrity, discipline, and bravery in defense of the homeland.

The graduating class, comprising 1,246 gendarmes including 39 women, received commendations for their readiness to uphold the values of the homeland, law, and honor. MDL Issaka Sawadogo, speaking on behalf of the graduates, committed to defending the Burkina Faso flag wherever duty calls. This sentiment echoed the vital role of gendarmes in national security, akin to the roles of doctors and teachers in their respective fields.