Kongoussi, Burkina Faso – In a significant display of solidarity, the people of Rollo, along with associated groups from Ouagadougou and beyond, have rallied to support the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). On November 22, 2023, they provided a contribution of 870 thousand CFA francs and vital food supplies to aid in the efforts of national territory reconquest.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the collective contribution consisted of 870 thousand 300 CFA francs, along with sorghum and cowpea. The Prefect president of the special delegation (PDS) of Rollo, Sakema Kaboré, received these donations from the residents of five villages and four sectors of the Rollo commune, as well as from Jacques Ouermi, representing the Lagmé Manégué Association for the development of Rollo.

Sompayimdi Ouermi, speaking on behalf of the donors, explained that the support was motivated by their long absence from the commune and the significant progress made by the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the VDP in reclaiming their localities. The donations aim to bolster the morale and resources of the VDPs working alongside the FDS.

Additionally, Jacques Ouermi, representing the Rollo community living elsewhere, noted that they contributed 200,000 CFA francs towards the same goal. The Kaab Noogo Association for the development of Kangaré also made a notable donation of 150,000 CFA francs.

Sakema Kaboré, the Prefect president, praised the community’s initiative, viewing it as a testament to their commitment to the Burkinabe authorities’ efforts in restoring peace and security in the country. He subsequently passed on the donations to their intended recipients: the VDPs of Rollo received the food and 620,300 CFA francs, while the VDPs of Bam province received 225,000 CFA francs.

Kaboré also encouraged the entire Rollo population to continue supporting the FDS and VDP in their endeavors.

The community’s mobilization comes as a response to the displacement of the entire population of Rollo in May 2023 due to threats from armed groups. However, the situation has seen improvement, with many villages in the locality being successfully reclaimed through various security operations.