Burkina Faso national armed forces launch 66th anniversary celebrations

The Burkina Faso National Armed Forces (FAN) commenced their 66th anniversary commemorations in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with a popular cross-country race and aerobic session. The event brought together over 900 members of the defense and security forces, paramilitary bodies, and civilian populations.

The 2.3-kilometer route began at the Place de la Nation and passed through several landmarks, including the 2-Octobre roundabout and the Bataille du Rail roundabout, before returning to the starting point. The initiative, presided over by Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Moussa Diallo, aimed to strengthen cohesion between security forces and the citizenry in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Colonel-Major Céleste Joseph Moussa Coulibaly, commander of the Tiéfo-Amoro Higher Military Education Institute, emphasized that sport is an integral part of military life and a tool for unity. He stated that the event was intended to demonstrate solidarity behind President Ibrahim Traoré to defeat terrorism. The week-long festivities will conclude on November 1 with a formal military parade and decoration ceremony.