Burkina Faso: 300 new non-commissioned officers join the ranks of the Gendarmerie

The National Gendarmerie is strengthening its ranks with the arrival of 300 new non-commissioned officers, including 15 women. They received their epaulettes on September 11, 2026, after completing two years of training at the National School for Non-Commissioned Officers of the Gendarmerie.

Named "KAWGU", the class boasts a 100% success rate, with an overall average of 15,436 out of 20. The ceremony took place under the chairmanship of Major General Célestin Simporé, Minister of War and Patriotic Defence, with Commander Ismaël Sombie as patron.

Beyond military training, the message delivered to the new Sergeants emphasized exemplary conduct in the performance of their duties. The Chief of Staff of the National Gendarmerie, Colonel Issa Yaguibou, reminded them that the rank insignia represents, above all, a responsibility. He specifically called upon them to break with corruption and abuses of power.

Each new non-commissioned officer also received the manifesto of the People's Progressive Revolution as a reference document.

The ceremony was also marked by demonstrations of know-how, a military parade with sister schools from GIFA, ENASAP and CIFMAA, as well as the swearing-in of the 52nd class, which took place the day before at the High Court of Bobo-Dioulasso.

With this new promotion, the National Gendarmerie continues to strengthen its human and operational capabilities.

Yolande Bazié