Burkina Faso: Focus on the recruitment process of the VDP (Volunteers for the Defense of the Nation).

Recruited on a voluntary basis to serve at the village, commune, or national level, the Volunteer for the Defense of the Nation (VDP) works alongside personnel from the National Armed Forces (FAN) and the Internal Security Forces (FSI). Their recruitment is validated following the approval of the local populations for those wishing to serve at the village and commune level, and the approval of the competent authorities for those wishing to serve across the entire Burkinabe territory.

Any person meeting the following conditions can become a Volunteer for the Defense of the Nation:

• Be of Burkinabe nationality.
• Have good moral character.
• Be psychologically fit.
• Be at least eighteen years old at the time of recruitment.
• Be a resident of the village or commune for the Communal Groups

            of Volunteers for the Defense of the Nation (GCVDP).

The final selection of VDP members is made following a background check by the competent authorities.

The duration of the VDP’s engagement contract is twelve (12) months, renewable once.

In exceptional cases, the administration reserves the right to authorize an engagement beyond this limit.

The re-engagement of VDP members is done by signing a new contract.