Fada N'Gourma:600 national Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) have completed their initial training to enhance security efforts in the Gourma region. The graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Fada N'Gourma, attended by regional administrative and military authorities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the trained fighters will now join the mixed marching battalion Fant´me 1, based in Fada N'Gourma. This unit primarily consists of VDP members and is overseen by the Defense and Security Forces (FDS).

Lieutenant-Colonel Mamadi Sawadogo, commander of the Brigade of Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (BVDP), emphasized the significance of this development in enhancing the operational capabilities of forces active in the region. He noted that the addition of the 600 new VDP members will bolster the battalion's strength, allowing it to continue its security missions alongside other components of the Eastern Region Force Group.

Addressing the graduates, Lieutenant-Colonel Sawadogo reminded them that completing initial training is just the beginning. "The real training starts now," he stated, urging the VDP to remain humble, rigorous, and disciplined in their tasks. He encouraged them to learn from their field experiences to continuously improve their practices and effectively contribute to the nation's security.