Burkina asks France for “weapons and ammunition” for army auxiliaries

The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire Kiélem de Tembela, asked France “weapons and ammunition” for the auxiliaries of the army who help him in his fight against the jihadists, according to an article from his communication service.

During a meeting on Tuesday with Luc Hallade, French Ambassador to Burkina Faso, the Prime Minister “stressed that the partners’ efforts must focus on the deep aspirations of the people of Burkina Faso, a people committed to defending themselves for freedom, against barbarism and terrorism”indicates this article consulted, Thursday 1^er December, by AFP.

“This is what justifies the launch of the operation to recruit 50,000 volunteers for the defense of the homeland (VDP)”the army auxiliaries, he explained, adding: “France could help this popular resistance by providing arms and ammunition and also taking into account the financial support of the brave fighters. »

Read also: In Burkina Faso, a million students deprived of school because of jihadist attacks

To “worries” expressed by Mr. Hallade “as to the impossibility for French NGOs based in Burkina Faso to travel to the field for their activities”Mr. Kyelem from Tembela replied: “This is why you must help us to have the necessary equipment to overcome terrorism. “Burkinabe people are looking for a lifeline for their country and if this lifeline has to come from a country other than France, why not? »he added.

The Burkinabe Prime Minister also affirmed during this meeting that “Burkina Faso has been cornered for six years and it doesn’t move anyone”. He felt that France “showed a different concern when it came to helping Ukraine in the recent conflict with Russia”.

“Grievance on the table”

Following his meeting with Mr. Kyélem de Tembela, Luc Hallade felt that everyone had ” interest “ that Burkina, plagued by jihadist violence, ” stay up “. This request for assistance to VDPs “is made repeatedly, whether by him [le premier ministre] or by other authorities” and “It’s a complaint that remains on the table”according to a French diplomatic source.

“But the question for us is: if you need help in the fight against terrorism, why don’t you call on the (French) special forces who are based in Kamboinsin [près de Ouagadougou] and who are available to intervene? The only condition of the intervention is that you ask us »she added.

Read also: In northern Burkina Faso, women’s daily battle for a few liters of water

According to this source, “France is accused of not helping, but when there is a tool that is immediately available and a priori effective for an intervention to which “we don’t appeal, it’s very complex”.

The VDPs are paying a heavy price in the jihadist attacks by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State that regularly hit Burkina Faso, particularly in the north and east.

Since 2015, Burkinabe civilians and soldiers have been regularly bereaved by increasingly frequent jihadist attacks, which have killed thousands and forced some 2 million people to flee their homes.

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The World with AFP