Ouagadougou: The Patriotic Support Fund (FSP) mobilizes more than 700 million FCFA each month to ensure the operation of the Mixed Ghost March Battalion 1, indicated the Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Vieux Abdoul Rachid Soulama, on Friday, following an immersion mission of the members of the Steering Committee (CO) and the Management Committee (CG) of the FSP.

According to Burkina Information Agency, over 700 million CFA francs are allocated monthly to personnel maintenance, healthcare, bonuses, food, and logistics for the battalion. Secretary General Vieux Abdoul Rachid Soulama highlighted that the equipment provided to the unit represents nearly one billion CFA francs.

"Every franc injected into the Patriotic Support Fund helps strengthen the operational capabilities of our VDP and our defense and security forces on the ground," said Mr. Soulama, who led the mission to the 1st Ghost March Mixed Battalion.

This immersion follows an instruction from Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Oudraogo, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the FSP. Its aim was to allow members of both bodies to see on the ground the achievements made possible thanks to the contributions of the Burkinabe people.

"We are truly amazed," he emphasized, "by the results presented and the efforts made to mobilize the resources necessary for the establishment and strengthening of the battalion." Mr. Soulama also noted that the strengthening of the battalion's capabilities continues, particularly with the training of several hundred Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP).

He praised the courage and commitment of the fighters and called on all Burkinabe to maintain their support for the FSP. "It is truly more than necessary for us to continue working to support this Patriotic Support Fund," he insisted, reaffirming the importance of citizen mobilization in support of the defense of the territory.

The mission allowed members of the Operations Committee and the Commanding Officer to better appreciate the impact of the Special Forces Support Fund's resources on equipment, infrastructure, and support for combatants. They reaffirmed their commitment to rigorous, transparent, and efficient management of the resources deployed.