Dedougou: A mission from the national coordination committee of the Mandatory Patriotic Immersion (IPO), led by Commander Roger Sawadogo, convened in Dedougou with the regional cell of Bankui and Sourou. The meeting aimed to assess the preparations for the 2026 edition and enhance coordination between central and decentralized actors.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting was chaired by Lieutenant-Colonel Sosth¨ne Idrissa Coulibaly, commander of the 5th Military Region. It included representatives from relevant ministries, the Defense and Security Forces, and technical officials responsible for implementing the mandatory Patriotic Immersion. Discussions focused on reviewing organizational aspects, such as identifying and preparing reception sites, designating civilian and military trainers, mobilizing supervisors, and arranging logistical, health, and security measures.

Lieutenant-Colonel Coulibaly stated that preparations in the Bankui and Sourou regions commenced in February 2026. He affirmed that the reception sites have been identified and supervisors progressively mobilized, ensuring the organizational dynamic is engaged. Coulibaly emphasized that the guidelines from the national mission would consolidate achievements and ensure harmonized organization across the eleven sites selected in the six localities, including Boromo, Dedougou, Solenzo, Nouna, Toma, and Tougan.

For the head of the mission, Commander Roger Sawadogo, the primary goal was to assess preparation levels, recall priority actions, and set deadlines by the National Coordination Committee. Sawadogo commended the regional cell's structured and committed team for their organizational efforts. He also addressed concerns raised by regional stakeholders and promised to forward observations to the National Committee for rapid decision-making.

The mission outlined several major deadlines, including the training of trainers scheduled for July 14 to 16, 2026, in Ouagadougou, and training for facilitators and supervisors in host localities from July 21 to 23. A digital platform will also be used for conscript registration, assignment, activity monitoring, and data management.

Regional officials reaffirmed their commitment to meet the National Committee's deadlines and continue preparations to ensure the Bankui and Sourou regions contribute effectively to the success of the mandatory patriotic immersion in 2026.