OUAGADOUGOU — In a significant move, the Ministry of Agriculture has committed to supporting retired military personnel in transitioning to careers in the agro-pastoral and fisheries sectors. This initiative, announced through a framework agreement with the Ministry of Defense, aims to train and assist former members of the national armed forces as they embark on new vocational paths.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture will offer comprehensive training and facilitate the installation of retired soldiers interested in agriculture, livestock breeding, and fisheries. Article 3 of the agreement specifically includes any soldier who moves towards these sectors either two years prior to retirement or after having been retired for over three years as a beneficiary of these services.

Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly, Minister of State in charge of Defense, emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture has long supported the retraining of retired military personnel. He highlighted the importance of formalizing this ongoing partnership to ensure structured and sustained support. Coulibaly expressed gratitude for the considerable assistance provided, which will enable retired servicemen and women to transition smoothly into civilian life.

The agreement, set to last five years, outlines several collaboration areas. These include capacity building, advisory support for organizational structuring, processing and marketing support, facilitation of access to financing, and improved access to productive resources. It aims to benefit 1,000 former military personnel, supporting a policy adopted in 2008 that facilitates soldiers’ integration into civilian employment aligned with their skills and abilities.