Burkina Faso army records 86,000 reservists in nine months
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sidwaya
Burkina Faso’s National Armed Forces recorded 86,000 registrations for the military reserve in nine months, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamado Bambara, commander of the first military region, said. The 66th anniversary of the army, held on 1 November 2026 in Kaya, also saw 44 medals awarded, according to Sidwaya.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hamado Bambara, commander of Burkina Faso’s first military region, announced that 86,000 people had registered for the military reserve in nine months. He was speaking on 1 November 2026 in Kaya, during celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of the National Armed Forces, according to Sidwaya.
The ceremony also saw 44 decorations awarded to combat forces from the first region: 32 military medals, three Combatant’s Crosses, two honorary medals for firefighters and seven honorary medals for Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland. Captain Inoussa Sanané, commander of the first Road Security and Intervention Squadron, dedicated his medal to fighters in the field, as well as the wounded and fallen soldiers.
The celebration, organised around the theme of the armed forces and military reserves, also included a troop review. Acting governor Bernadette Adenyo/Sermé attended alongside Lieutenant-Colonel Bambara.
The Kaya ceremony was part of the commemorations of the 66th anniversary, launched on 20 October with a 2.5-kilometre cross-country race. On 1 November, President Ibrahim Traoré also paid tribute to fallen Burkinabè soldiers. Another anniversary ceremony reported that 56 military personnel and defence actors were decorated.
