Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso, addressed a gathering of young campers on Thursday, assuring them that “the war against terrorism will soon end” in the country.
The remarks were made during an exceptional flag-raising ceremony marking the first edition of the Camp Vacances Faso Mêbo, held to instill civic values and practical skills among the nation’s youth.
Speaking to 408 children, Captain Traoré said, “Today, Burkina is at war, but the war will end soon and it is you who will build our country. It is your responsibility to build this country and we had to prepare you now.” The camp, he emphasized, aims to train future adults of integrity by cultivating values of solidarity and humility.
“ Sitting on the floor to eat from the same plate with your friends, these are two important values you learn: solidarity, but also humility,” he explained. Traoré encouraged the campers to share the lessons learned at the camp with their classmates, adding that “living in society means taking into account those next to you and preserving social cohesion.”
Over ten days, participants engaged in a range of activities including civic and military education, visual and performing arts, paving and laying exercises, and eco-citizen projects. The program also focused on instilling respect for the common good, state authority, and national interests.
In a symbolic contribution to their host site, the campers left behind a grove of fruit trees, a 300-square-meter paved parade ground, approximately ten benches, and several pieces of pictorial artwork. These initiatives reflect the camp’s broader goal of encouraging practical engagement with community development while fostering discipline and cooperation among Burkina Faso’s next generation.
Observers note that the camp reflects a growing emphasis by the Burkinabe government on youth involvement in national reconstruction and civic responsibility, framing young people not only as beneficiaries of education but as active participants in the country’s path toward peace and stability.
About The Author
