FILE PHOTO: Burkina Faso's new military leader Ibrahim Traore is escorted by soldiers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso October 2, 2022. REUTERS/Vincent Bado
Burkina Faso’s President Captain Ibrahim Traoré has handed over a new batch of heavy military equipment to strengthen the country’s armed forces amid ongoing efforts to reclaim territories from armed groups.
The ceremony took place in Ouagadougou on Friday, where the President officially delivered armored vehicles and various combat machines to the Ministry of Defense.
The new equipment will primarily serve the Field Artillery and Rapid Intervention Battalion (BACIR) as well as the Armored Rapid Intervention Battalion (BBIR).
According to the Presidency, the handover marks a further step in the government’s strategy to modernize and reinforce the army’s operational capacity in the fight against terrorism.
At the event, President Traoré symbolically handed over the keys to Brigadier General Célestin Simporé, Minister of State and Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
“I officially hand over to you the keys to these logistical and combat vehicles. Take this equipment as an end-of-year gift from the people to their army and intensify the war,” said Captain Traoré during the ceremony.
The Presidency noted that the newly delivered vehicles would play a crucial role in enhancing the mobility and firepower of troops engaged in combat operations across the country.
This latest handover follows a similar initiative in December 2024, when the Burkinabe government delivered a large batch of war equipment, some of which was assembled locally. That package included jet containers, tanker trucks, and mine-resistant armored vehicles produced by a national company.
Since seizing power in September 2022, Captain Traoré has prioritized the re-equipment and modernization of the Burkinabe army, viewing it as essential to restoring national security and territorial integrity.
The West African nation continues to battle insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which control vast areas in the north and east of the country. Strengthening the army’s operational readiness has become central to Traoré’s leadership as Burkina Faso strives to reclaim stability and protect its citizens.
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