Burkina Faso: Message from H.E. Ibrahim TRAORE to all Defense and Security Forces and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland in the Eastern region
The 34th Interarms Regiment in Fada N’Gourma (RIA) received the visit of Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The Head of State, President of the Transition, Chief of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, met with all Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) of this Eastern region Regiment. He commended the commitment of all combat forces and called for a change in paradigm.
«We wanted to come here to feel your warmth, see you, and say hello. We know what you’re going through, we know what’s happening in this region, and we know the hard work you’re doing. We also come to invite you to change the dynamics, to be able to adapt better because the context has changed», stated Captain Ibrahim TRAORE to all FDS and VDP gathered at the parade ground of the 34th RIA to listen to him.
According to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Eastern zone is vast and complicated, with forests and mountainous terrain that make the battlefield difficult.
That is why he urged the command to create a new mode of combat to adapt to the terrain.
«We need to create our war by changing our way of doing things, our combat strategy by incorporating innovations (…). We must go beyond what we learned in school, use our intelligence, and wage war», said the President of the Transition to the combat forces.
According to him, it is necessary to develop new techniques, adapt equipment to the terrain, think outside the box to gain the upper hand over the enemy, and this should involve all intelligences within the army, from enlisted personnel to officers.
Furthermore, the Head of State invited the command to fully integrate the VDH into the system and work with them in a good atmosphere.
To support the ongoing dynamic on the ground, Captain Ibrahim TRAORE assured the combat forces that measures are being taken in this regard.
This includes massive recruitment to strengthen the ranks and the acquisition of high-performance equipment to increase the operational capabilities of ground fighters and the air vector.
«We were on a path that didn’t allow us to change the situation or evolve in terms of equipment. Today, we no longer have problems acquiring a certain type of equipment», added the Head of State, who believes that all these provisions, the result of the people’s sacrifice, must be used wisely.
He informed the combat forces of the 34th regiment that arrangements are being made for the care of war casualties, as well as for the widows and orphans of fallen fighters (DSF and VDH), with the creation of an agency.
« When people go to battle and they get injured, and then they are abandoned, it hurts, and it doesn’t boost the morale of those who are on the fields fighting», acknowledged the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The FDS and VDP in the Eastern region expressed their wishes, including a special operation for the Eastern region, improved equipment provision, and healthcare support.
In response, the Head of State stated that everything is being done to restore the region to its former glory.
Yannick H.
