Burkina Faso's Dubious Military Reserve Plan

On April 24, 2026, Burkina Faso's Council of Ministers adopted a draft law to create a 100,000-strong military reserve by the end of the year. Defense Minister Célestin Simporé framed the initiative as a necessity for rapid citizen mobilization against security threats. However, this expansion could exacerbate the already severe human rights crisis in the country, particularly due to abuses committed by the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland.