(Ecofin Agency) - 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).