Burkina Faso/Toeni: Paid commitment for two “military teachers”

On October 2, 2023, the new school year started in most parts of the region, but in Toeni, Sulu province, the reality was very different. The start of school was difficult and some parents were worried about their children. Despite the military’s efforts to keep classes open, CM2 classes were still short of teachers in mid-October. As a result, many preferred to send their children to Tugan, the provincial capital. However, something had to be done for those who remained there. Two military police chief warrant officers on duty in the area, Issé Kaboré and quartermaster Kayaba Sawadogo, were designated to take up the challenge.

For Warrant Officer Kapore, the older of the two, accepting the assignment was not a difficult decision. “When the command asked us to go to the primary school and teach these children, I found no problem. I was an instructor at the Military Police School for eight years, so I had a little knowledge of pedagogy,” he explained. For him, contributing to the country’s development was obvious, even in such a difficult context.

Teaching under pressure

The conditions under which these gendarmes carry out their duties are far from typical. Toeni is a red zone where terrorist attacks are common. “We have had to suspend classes several times for our own protection when there have been shooting incidents,” said Warrant Officer Kaboré. Nevertheless, the students’ involvement is a key factor in the success of the project. “The children told us that this is a challenge for them because their parents cannot send them to Tugan like others. Their commitment also makes our task easier,” he added.

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The two gendarmes were able to adapt creatively to this new duty. “Mathematics is a concrete subject, so it was enough to make some updates to manage the knowledge,” said Marshal Sawadogo. In geometry, for example, he used cardboard or boxed objects that he quickly made to make the exercises easier for the children. “For children, you have to make it concrete so that they can understand better,” he explained.

Despite initial misgivings, the relationship between the students and the military soon blossomed into an educational partnership. “Initially, the students were surprised to see soldiers teaching them. They wondered if it was for custody or something else. But once we started teaching, they understood that we knew our jobs,” Chief Warrant Officer Kaboré recalled.

Fighting ignorance and terrorism

In addition to education, the initiative aims to combat more serious evils such as ignorance, academic failure and the risk of children being recruited by armed terrorist groups. This is what the two agents said. The educational mission was fruitful thanks to the help of other defense and security forces present and the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP) who provided security in the classroom. But the difficulties were not only about security. According to the first aid teachers, only three of the nine children had birth certificates. “Between brothers, we produced extracts for the other six children by relocating the town hall from Toeni to Tugan,” said Chief Warrant Officer Kaboré. The students were finally able to obtain their Certificate of Primary Education (CEP) in Tugan after being airlifted by the Air Force.

Also read: Education: Terrorism is the first barrier to going to school in Burkina Faso…or vice versa?

The result of this commitment was the success of nine students in the CEP exams. This success was widely celebrated by parents and GARSI members. “When the results came out, there was a celebratory atmosphere. The parents were very happy,” they said. For the two gendarmes, the joy of seeing the children succeed far outweighed any decoration. “The success of these students goes beyond any decoration. Among these children, perhaps some will become ministers or key decision makers for the country,” Chief Warrant Officer hoped.

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A well-deserved honor, a sense of pride

The unprecedented journey of these two “military advisors” Academic Excellence Day 2024. They have been elevated to the rank of Knights of the Order of the Academic Palm. This recognition, awarded by the National Ministry of Education, Literacy and Promotion of National Languages ​​(MENAPLN), pays tribute not only to their unwavering commitment to a high-risk mission, but also to their decisive contribution to education in this region. Insecurity. For Warrant Officer Kapore, this decoration is more than a simple medal. “It is a feeling of joy and pride that drives me. The action we take is natural. As Burkinabe, if we can contribute to development, we have no reason to hesitate,” he emotionally insists. As for Quartermaster Sawadogo, he feels great satisfaction to see their efforts recognized through this distinction. “I pray to God that these children will be able to continue their studies for themselves and their parents”, and he hopes that their actions will inspire others to follow the same path. The two gendarmes believe that the real reward lies not in honors, but in success and the hope for a better future for these students.

The wife’s unwavering support

Throughout this challenging mission in Toeni, the two soldiers remained cognizant of the crucial role played by their wives. Despite the distance and the constant risks, their women remained pillars of support, providing strength and spiritual comfort during the most difficult times. “Our wives carry the weight of this mission on their shoulders,” they stressed. They believe that the women’s resilience and understanding are essential to their ability to devote themselves fully to the dual mission of protection and education. “Without their support, our success would have been much more difficult,” they added. They expressed their deep gratitude to those who quietly contribute to their success in the shadow of the mission.

Unswerving dedication to the motherland

Chief Warrant Officer Issé Kaboré and Quartermaster Kayaba Sawadogo both joined the Gendarmerie out of a strong desire to serve their country. For Chief Warrant Officer Kaboré, the lure of the uniform was irresistible from the start. He joined the 30th batch in 2002 and has dedicated more than two decades to protecting and serving Burkina Faso in a career filled with demanding missions. “It was the equipment and the work done by the Gendarmerie that led me to join this institution,” he revealed.

Quartermaster Sawadogo of the 45th NCO Cadet Class of 2017 also chose the Military Police out of conviction. After seven years of service, he remains steadfast in his mission, proudly inheriting the values ​​of discipline, commitment and solidarity that characterize this elite force. For both men, joining the Military Police is a life choice and a commitment to the country, which will continue to guide them through every challenge they encounter.

Farida Tiobiano

Lefaso.com

Tribute to the fallen FDS

The Chief Warrant Officers and the Quartermaster General paid tribute to the fallen Defence and Security Forces (FDS) at the front, especially those fighting in Toeni. For these meritorious gendarmes, their mission would not have been successful without the heroic work they had done before their arrival. They confirmed that they were not the only heroes of history and stressed the key role played by their brothers in maintaining peace in Burkina Faso under extremely difficult conditions. They stressed the importance of the support of the FDS and the SDLP, some of whom paid a heavy price. They defined themselves as a link in a chain of solidarity and remembered their comrades whose courage and dedication continue to inspire and support their actions on the ground.

The Gendarmerie pays tribute to its special forces

The National Gendarmerie paid tribute to the Rapid Action and Intervention Groups (GARSI) of Barani and Toeni before the mission of Chief Warrant Officer Issé Kaboré and Quartermaster Kayaba in 2022. It was noted that 240 personnel have been deployed in these areas and that in the fight against terrorism, about 10 brave fighters have lost their lives. Their portraits were displayed during the tribute ceremony. The results achieved by the GARSI of Barani and Toeni at the end of their mission, which lasted three years, were the elimination of about 100 terrorists, the arrest of 455 terrorists, the elimination of 69 improvised explosive devices, the dismantling of 24 terrorist bases, the conduct of 126 offensive operations, the conduct of 377 infiltrations and the conduct of 288 escorts. These GARSI also carried out civil-military operations for the benefit of the people.