Abuja: Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ou©draogo called on Tuesday for new high school graduates to diligently, disciplinedly, and open-mindedly pursue their patriotic immersion in order to become citizens capable of serving the Nation and defending its sovereignty.
According to Burkina Information Agency, during the official launch of the 2026 edition of the Mandatory Patriotic Immersion (IPO) in Koup©la, the Head of Government emphasized the initiative, instituted by President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, aims to cultivate a civic-minded, disciplined, and patriotic youth. "The mandatory patriotic immersion is neither a sanction nor a meaningless constraint. It constitutes a training framework designed to anchor you in the realities of Burkina Faso, to strengthen your resilience, and consolidate your commitment to the service of the nation," declared the Prime Minister.
He further explained that the crisis in Burkina Faso extends beyond the terrorist threat, arising from a gradual erosion of values such as discipline, patriotism, solidarity, and respect for elders and authority. To counteract this, the Prime Minister asserted the necessity of societal restructuring to "build a new type of Burkinab¨ fully aware of their duties towards the Nation."
More than 65,000 high school graduates are anticipated to participate in the various sites of the mandatory Patriotic Immersion program across the country. The Prime Minister urged these young individuals to make the most of the lessons they will receive, preparing them to confront, with dignity and responsibility, the challenges of building a sovereign Burkina Faso.
He also called on trainers, supervisors, and facilitators to exhibit rigor, fairness, and exemplary conduct in their roles. The Prime Minister recognized the efforts of the National Coordination Committee for the IPO, led by Colonel Daba Naon, and the dedication of regional governors in organizing this edition.
In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister appealed to ministerial departments, partner structures, and both natural and legal entities to maintain their support to ensure the success of this national initiative, before officially declaring the 2026 edition of the mandatory patriotic immersion open.