Burkina Faso authorities have indicated that the recruitment campaign for ‘volunteers’ to reinforce counter-terrorism operations have resulted in more than 90,000 registrations, amid deteriorating security in the country due to the expansion of jihadist networks.
The Patriotic Defense and Surveillance Brigade Command has indicated in a statement that the recruitment efforts concluded on November 18 and has highlighted that «more than 90,000 people have registered», for which it has applauded the «great mobilization of the population».
«In line with the ‘volunteer’ status, not all those registered are currently located, so all those who are in an irregular situation are invited to come forward, if they maintain their decision to serve as ‘volunteers’,» he said.
He has also stressed that «candidates who have registered must complete their documents.» «The next stage is the initial training, so another communiqué will be issued with all the information,» the Patriotic Defense and Surveillance Brigade Command concluded.
The Burkinabe military authorities indicated at the launch of the recruitment process that the objective was to enlist 15,000 ‘volunteers’ at the national level and another 35,000 at the community level to fight against jihadist groups.
Burkina Faso has generally experienced a significant increase in insecurity since 2015, with attacks by both Al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, leading to a wave of internally displaced persons and refugees to other countries in the region.
