Ouagadougou: Hadja Mariam Mandé, the mother of the late resistance fighter Ladji Yôrô, addressed the people of Burkina Faso on Saturday, expressing gratitude for the support extended to her family and calling for an end to the ongoing war against terrorists.

December 23, 2021, marked the day when Ladji Yôrô, a Volunteer for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), and over 40 fellow fighters, were tragically killed by unidentified armed men. On the second anniversary of this event, on December 23, 2023, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including the Movement of Young Engaged Patriots, the Northern Patriots Movement, and the Bayiri Movement, organized a day of tribute in Ouahigouya.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Secretary General of the Bayiri Movement, the ceremony was dedicated to honoring all fighters, with a special focus on Ladji Yôrô. He emphasized that the sacrifices of these heroes would not be forgotten. The day’s events included moments of contemplation, tree planting, a friendly football match, and a blood donation drive, all in memory of Soumaila Ganamé, known as Ladji Yoro.

Hadja Mariam Mandé, Ladji Yoro’s mother, expressed pride in the recognition of her son’s battle as a fight for all Burkinabè. She shared that since his death, the nation’s sons and daughters have continually shown compassion towards their family. Mandé also extended blessings and full support to the transitional authorities in their efforts to end the war against terrorism.

As a reminder, Ladji Yôrô and more than 40 other VDP members were ambushed and killed on December 23, 2021, while escorting a food supply convoy to the town of Titao, in a tragic event orchestrated by armed terrorist groups.