Burkina Faso: More than 86,000 reservists registered toward 100,000 target by end of 2026

One month after registration opened, more than 86,000 people had signed up for Burkina Faso’s military reserve, as authorities aim to reach 100,000 by the end of 2026. State Minister for War and Patriotic Defense General Célestin Simporé welcomed the response at the National Armed Forces’ 66th anniversary celebration in Ouagadougou on November 1. The law provides for two groups: former military personnel, police officers and Homeland Defense Volunteers, as well as former national patriotic service conscripts and volunteers with no military experience. The reserve is intended to complement active forces, not replace the Volunteers, while recruitment of 12,000 active-duty soldiers began in April.