Burkina Faso: When the combined forces (FDS, VDP, Dozos) turn the tide on security in the Far West

In a testament to the resilience of the Burkinabe people and the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts, Minister of Security Mahamadou SANA led a series of strategic meetings on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Bobo-Dioulasso. The high-level consultations with senior officials of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) focused on a comprehensive assessment of the security situation in the Grand Ouest region, an area that has been a critical front in the country’s fight for stability.

The outcomes of these meetings paint a picture of remarkable progress. According to the assessment, the security situation in western Burkina Faso has shown notable and undeniable improvement.

This positive trajectory is the direct result of sustained and aggressive operations by the FDS, which have not only neutralized threats but also created the conditions for life to return to normal.

The most tangible evidence of this success is the gradual repopulation of several villages previously devastated by terrorist attacks.

Families are returning to their ancestral lands, signaling a crucial step toward the full restoration of the social fabric of the nation.

This dynamic is not merely the result of military might; it is also a story of collective national sacrifice and unity.

The statement highlighted the decisive contribution of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) the courageous civilian auxiliaries who have fought alongside the regular army, and in many cases sacrificed their lives.

Their intimate knowledge of the terrain and unwavering commitment have made them an indispensable force in the reconquest of the national territory.

Furthermore, the resilience of the nation is exemplified by the crucial involvement of the Dozo brotherhood.

As traditional hunters deeply rooted in local culture and customs, the Dozos have brought their ancestral expertise to the modern fight against terrorism, bridging the gap between community defense and conventional military strategy.

Their mobilization stands as a powerful symbol of national cohesion, where traditional institutions and the modern state converge to confront a common enemy.

The visit of Minister Sana to Bobo-Dioulasso served both as a strategic review and a morale-boosting mission.

While vigilance remains imperative, the collective strategy of combining professional military forces, the VDP, and the traditional hunters is delivering concrete results.

For a country that has faced relentless adversity, the improved security in the Grand Ouest stands as a testament to Burkina Faso’s profound resilience