Burkina Faso hails security gains and food self-sufficiency in 2025

On December 31, Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, addressed the nation, presenting key advancements in security and agricultural self-sufficiency, along with strategic goals for 2026.

In his address, President Traoré highlighted the success of Operation Lalmassga (“Ice Wall”), which enabled the Burkinabe armed forces to regain control of multiple towns previously held by terrorist groups. The operation focused on the Nakambé region, near Kompienga Dam, Namungu in Gulmu, and Namsiguia around Djibo and Toulfé. Traoré commended the efforts of the army and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) in these efforts and announced plans for continued military operations up to the national borders.

Traoré reported that many internally displaced individuals have returned to secure areas, where they receive assistance to recommence agricultural activities and access new infrastructure.

The President announced that Burkina Faso achieved food self-sufficiency in 2025 through successful campaigns, improved seeds, subsidies, and mechanization. Future initiatives for 2026 include enhanced land development, water retention projects, aquaculture, and fodder crop production.

Traoré also discussed progress in mining, education, and health . The state is working to regain control over mineral resources, expand technical and professional education, and enhance health facilities. Infrastructure development will continue with the establishment of new road construction brigades and a transition toward high-rise urban planning.

Reaffirming Burkina Faso’s sovereign foreign policy, Traoré welcomed partnerships that respect national independence and rejected external pressures. He concluded the address by calling on citizens to uphold values of integrity, dignity, and patriotism, promoting a vision of a corruption-free Burkina Faso focused on national development.

Based on reporting by Africanews.