Colonel Moussa Diallo Appointed to Lead Burkina Faso’s Special and Rapid Intervention Brigade

Ouagadougou – Burkina Faso’s military has undergone a significant leadership change with the appointment of Colonel Moussa Diallo as the commander of the newly formed Special and Rapid Intervention Brigade. This appointment, announced on Friday by President Ibrahim Traoré, adds to Colonel Diallo’s current role as Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces. According to Agence d’Information du Burkina (AIB), the Special and Rapid Intervention Brigade was established by the Head of State on January 5, 2024, with a primary mission to combat terrorism across the nation.

According to Burkina Information Agency, The brigade is tasked with carrying out special operations and rapid interventions to secure the national territory, protect institutions, sensitive installations, and high-ranking personalities. Additionally, it will participate in missions abroad as part of bilateral or multilateral conventions. The Special and Rapid Intervention Brigade, which holds the status of an army, encompasses a variety of components. These include a cabinet, a staff, a Special Forces Group (GFS), and Rapid Intervention Groups (GIR). It also features a Republican Guard (GR), a Support and Support Command Group (GCAS) with specific units, a Field Artillery and Rapid Intervention Battalion (BACIR), and a Rapid Intervention Air Squadron (EAIR). Furthermore, the brigade comprises an Armored Rapid Intervention Battalion (BBIR), a Support and Support Command Battalion (BCAS), and a Training and Development Center for Special Units and Rapid Intervention (CFPUSIR).