Five civilian volunteers supporting Burkina Faso’s army were tragically killed in an attack by armed militants this week.
The assault targeted a forward security position in Gnangdin, near the border with Togo and Ghana, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The position was manned primarily by Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP), a group of local auxiliaries supporting national forces.
“A terrorist group attacked the post, leaving five volunteers dead,” a security official reported, describing Thursday’s incident.
The VDP volunteers receive weapons and three months of training before working alongside professional soldiers or operating independently.
The attack has sparked local outrage, with residents blocking a major highway connecting the region to the Togolese border.
Protesters criticized the delayed response from a nearby military unit, claiming quicker action could have mitigated the tragedy.
“The unit’s slow reaction raises serious concerns about security in the area,” a local resident said anonymously.
“If attacks persist despite their presence, more decisive measures are needed.”
Burkina Faso has faced relentless violence since 2015, fueled by unrest that began in neighboring Mali in 2012.
The conflict, which also affects Niger, has led to widespread devastation, with approximately 26,000 lives lost and over two million people displaced.
All three affected nations are governed by military juntas, highlighting the deep regional instability.
The ongoing crisis underscores the challenges faced by local forces and the communities they strive to protect.
The attack in Gnangdin is a sobering reminder of the enduring threat posed by militant groups, even in areas with a military presence.
