Burkina Faso: Reconquest and resilience, the Burkinabe state stands alongside populations returning to their lands
In the heart of a Tannounyan region recently wrested from the grip of terrorist armed groups, a gentle wind of rebirth is blowing over a battered but unbowed community. After months of occupation and violence that forced entire families into exile, the flag of Burkina Faso flies once more, and with it, hope has returned.
This reconquest; the fruit of the sacrifice and bravery of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Motherland (VDP) has paved the way for a vast national undertaking: resilience and the restoration of dignified life for displaced populations.
The Burkinabe State, under the leadership of the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has made the sustainable resettlement of populations in liberated areas an absolute priority.
In this locality once emptied of its inhabitants, the authorities have deployed a comprehensive humanitarian and socioeconomic assistance mechanism.
Recognizing that military reconquest is insufficient if not accompanied by the restoration of decent living conditions, the government has delivered a substantial shipment of food supplies to meet the needs of families who have made the courageous choice to return to their homes.
But the efforts of the State extend beyond immediate humanitarian relief. To durably anchor communities to their land and prevent a new cycle of displacement, an economic recovery strategy has been launched.
To this end, equipment to support socioeconomic activities was officially handed over to residents.
This powerful gesture aims to restore the means of subsistence of the communities whether agricultural tools, materials for small-scale commerce, or livestock inputs.
The objective is to enable these Burkinabe who have suffered so much to regain their autonomy and rebuild their lives themselves.
This visit by authorities to this sensitive area sends a strong political signal to the population: the State is present and will not abandon them.
It demonstrates the determination of the government to consolidate every inch of territory liberated by force, by bringing the benefits of peace and development.
The return to normalcy in this locality was recently tested by a new attempted attack. While successfully repelled by the FDS, the most remarkable element was the residents’ reaction.
Unlike previous episodes, the population did not flee. This determination to stay, despite the threat, is the greatest tribute to the fighting forces.
It proves that when the State supports its children, they are ready to defend their land.
Through these multidimensional support actions, Burkina Faso demonstrates that the reconquest of territory is inseparable from the restoration of dignity for its sons and daughters.
Maurice K. ZONGO
