Ouagadougou – In a ceremonial event held in Ouagadougou, the flag of the Brigade of Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (BVDP) was decorated with the medal of Knight of the Order of the Stallion. This honor was bestowed in recognition of the volunteers’ significant contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the decoration ceremony took place on Thursday. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Savadogo, the commander of the BVDP, highlighted the significance of the flag as a symbol of unity, action, and commitment. He expressed gratitude for this recognition, which honors all members of the VDP and the staff working with them, and reinforced their dedication to continue working ardently alongside the national armed forces and internal security forces.

In addition to the BVDP’s recognition, a total of 110 medals in various orders were awarded to personnel of the national armed forces on December 14, 2023. Colonel Doléan Millougou, one of the recipients, perceived this decoration as an encouraging message, acknowledging their engagement on multiple fronts for the reconquest of national territory. He dedicated his medal to all the forces fighting to restore the nation’s integrity.

The ceremony also honored retired individuals, including Le Ponsom Naaba de Tenkodogo, who expressed gratitude for his decoration and urged current fighters to remain diligent, emphasizing the value of hard work. Soldier Edouard Compaoré, retired for 14 years, also welcomed his distinction, recognizing that the honor was a result of his service in the army.

Two types of medals were presented during the ceremony. The first category included medals in the Order of the Stallion, encompassing Commanders, Officers, and Knights of the Order. The second category featured medals in the Order of Merit, also including Commanders, Officers, and Knights.

This event underscores the nation’s acknowledgment and appreciation of the sacrifices made by its defense forces and volunteers in the ongoing struggle against terrorism.