The Burkina Faso government set up a patriotic support fund last January to provide an urgent and effective response to the humanitarian and security crisis that has been raging in the country for years.
This year, the President of the Transition -Ibrahim Traoré (pictured) has initiated the improvement of the conditions for the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDPs), according to information reported by local media. As part of this plan, we learned, the disability allowance will be raised from CFA1.8 million to CFA3 million while the monthly wage will be increased to CFA80,000 from CFA60,000. The death benefit will also increase from CFA1 million to CFA3 million and burial expenses from CFA100,000 to CFA250,000.
In addition, a joint decree signed at the end of December 2023 also provides for the continued payment of the food allowance at CFA1,500 per day and medical expenses at CFA2,000 per month for VDPs.
All these measures coincide with the enforcement of a decree imposing mandatory deductions on the earnings of public sector employees and private sector workers. Specifically, a 1% mandatory deduction will be applied to the net salaries of public and private sector workers, and 25% on bonuses paid to personnel in ministries and institutions, including state-owned company and public institution employees. The introduction of these deductions will support the intensified efforts for the defense and security of the national territory, as stated by the government.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré has prioritized the fight against terrorism and the reclaiming of the territory. In this regard, several reforms have been implemented, including the establishment of the Patriotic Support Fund (FSP) in January 2023 to provide an urgent, effective, and efficient response to the humanitarian and security crisis the country has been facing for several years. Initially fueled by voluntary contributions, the government deemed it necessary to supplement the Fund with mandatory contributions collected on certain products and services.
According to official data reported by local media, the Fund has mobilized over CFA70 billion (around $117 million) as of December 7, 2023, against a projected target of CFA80 billion ($133 million).
• Global coffee consumption projected to hit a record 169.4 million 60-kg bags in 2025/2026, up from...
• Algeria grants commercial 5G licenses to top three telecom operators: Mobilis, Djezzy, and Ooredoo...
• Investors seem to keep focusing on yields, which are high for the moment• New Leadership might see...
• Kenyan President William Ruto signs strategic partnership with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to b...
• IFC teams up with AfDB and Nigeria’s EbonyLife to assess a new fund for African cinema• Sector cou...
• Morocco began expanding Casablanca Airport to raise capacity to 35M passengers by 2029• The $1.7B project supports the “Airports 2030” plan to...
• DRC extended its cobalt export ban to September 2025 due to high stock levels.• Major producers like CMOC face delivery issues; supply risks remain but...
• Eskom restored Medupi Unit 4 early, adding 800 MW and helping end load-shedding• Coal still dominates South Africa’s power, slowing the energy...
• Ethiopia completed the $4B Grand Renaissance Dam to boost power capacity and energy independence• Egypt and Sudan fear water supply risks, with no...
The Gerewol tradition is a fascinating ritual celebrated by the Bororo Fulani, a nomadic community primarily located in Chad and Niger. This annual...
In northern Ethiopia, in the Tigray region, lies Axum (also spelled Aksum), an ancient city that once stood at the heart of one of Africa’s most powerful...