Captain Ibrahim Traoré creates three new Rapid Intervention Battalions — RT in French

As part of his strategy to strengthen national security in the face of the terrorist threat, the President of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, announced the creation of three new Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR). These strategic units will be deployed in Arbinda, Ougarou and Diapaga to intensify the defense of Burkinabe territory.

The President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, signed, on January 2, 2025, a decree creating three new Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR), according to the Burkina Information Agency (AIB). These units will be stationed in Arbinda, in the North (Soum), in Ougarou, in the East (Gourma), and in Diapaga, also in the East (Tapoa).

During his end-of-year speech on December 31, 2024, Ibrahim Traoré mentioned the establishment of five new BIRs during 2025. This initiative is part of a desire to densify the territory’s security network and to counter terrorist groups effectively. “These battalions are designed to intervene quickly and with increased firepower in order to protect the integrity of the territory,” declared the President during his intervention.

According to the presidential decree, these units will have the main mission of responding to security threats, securing large logistical convoys and participating in the fight against organized crime, in coordination with the Internal Security Forces. In addition, they will perpetuate military traditions and strengthen the capabilities of national armed forces.

The three new BIRs will be integrated into the Rapid Intervention Groups system. They will be commanded respectively by Captain San Salifou Traoré (26th BIR, Ougarou), Captain Sayouba Yannick Sawadogo (27th BIR, Diapaga) and Captain Wenceslas Yaméogo (28th BIR, Arbinda).

Since coming to power in September 2022, Ibrahim Traoré has increased efforts to modernize Burkina Faso’s defense and security forces. More than 15,000 soldiers have been recruited in 2024 and significant investments have been made to improve the army’s equipment and logistical capabilities.

Captain Traoré also highlighted the resilience of the Burkinabè armed forces. “Thanks to our valiant forces, we maintain the initiative on the ground and track down criminals to their last entrenchments,” he said.