Burkina Faso has adopted a new law regulating the country’s military reserve system as authorities intensify efforts to strengthen national security and territorial defense.
The legislation, unanimously approved by the 57 members of the Legislative Assembly of Transition present during Tuesday’s session, was presented by Célestin Simporé.
The reform aims to create a reserve force of 100,000 personnel before the end of the year and establish a permanent framework for national mobilization in response to ongoing security threats facing the country.
The new law creates two categories of reservists.
The first-order reserve will consist of former soldiers, retired police officers and ex-members of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland who can be deployed directly due to prior experience.
The second-order reserve will include volunteer civilians and former participants in the National Patriotic Service, who will undergo military and civic training.
Authorities say participation will remain voluntary and not constitute formal employment. During parliamentary discussions, General Simporé stated that pregnant women enrolled in the reserves would not be mobilized in order to safeguard maternal and child health.
The government describes the reform as a strategic measure aimed at reinforcing security sovereignty and strengthening ties between the armed forces and the civilian population.
