In a move aimed at bolstering its fight against armed militants, Burkina Faso has received the first shipment of a major military equipment package, including 105mm WMA301 fire-support vehicles and 81mm CS/SM1 self-propelled mortars, both manufactured by Chinese defense giant Norinco.
The delivery, confirmed on January 12th with a ceremony attended by President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, marks the first phase of a strategic equipment plan announced by the President on December 31st, 2023.
Footage released by the president’s office showcased Traoré inspecting the six WMA301s alongside a command vehicle, highlighting their arrival alongside the previously unseen CS/SM1 mortars, mounted on Dongfeng light tactical vehicles.
The shipment also included a 60mm WW90 mortar, mortar rounds, and ammunition for RPG-7-type recoilless guns, further bolstering Burkina Faso’s arsenal.
Defense Minister Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly confirmed this as the first of five expected deliveries under the strategic equipment plan, with the remaining installments arriving over the coming months.
While President Traoré revealed the plan in his December 31st speech, details remained under wraps, with the full scope to be unveiled throughout 2024.
However, Traoré did announce the formation of a new Special Rapid Intervention Brigade, combining existing rapid intervention battalions with a special forces group.
This elite unit aims to play a crucial role in reclaiming territory currently controlled by militant groups operating within Burkina Faso.
This significant acquisition of Chinese-made weaponry marks a step forward in Burkina Faso’s efforts to combat the growing threat of armed insurgency.
The strategic equipment plan, coupled with the formation of the specialized intervention brigade, signals the government’s determination to strengthen its military capabilities and regain control of its territory.
As the remaining deliveries arrive and the Special Rapid Intervention Brigade takes shape, the coming months will be critical in assessing the effectiveness of these measures and their impact on the ongoing security situation in Burkina Faso.
