Ouagadougou: A series of community service activities marked the city of Leo on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. It was initiated by young conscripts from the compulsory Patriotic Immersion program in the Sissili province. Under the banner of community engagement and sustainable development, this day saw the participation of the Defense and Security Forces, alongside administrative and municipal authorities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the program began with a reforestation operation in the Sissili Regional Forest, where conscripts planted several hundred seedlings along the fence of this approximately 7-hectare area. This action aims to contribute to environmental preservation and protect the local forest heritage. “We learned civic and patriotic values, and this is a way for us to put them into practice,” said Osee Sondo, head of the organizing committee.
The young citizens then gathered in the city center to clean the gutters. This initiative, aimed at cleaning up the city and preventing the risk of flooding during the winter, was greatly appreciated by the population. Continuing their show of solidarity, the conscripts made a substantial donation to the municipality in preparation for the likely launch of the “Faso Mebo” initiative in Leo. This donation consisted of a ton of cement as well as a set of shovels and trowels. This concrete gesture aims to support the municipality’s efforts in infrastructure and public facilities.
The ceremony marking the launch of these activities was presided over by the second vice-president of the Leo Special Delegation, Moussa Sawadogo. In his speech, he praised the commitment and civic-mindedness of the young conscripts: “This demonstration of concrete patriotism is edifying. It demonstrates the commitment of young people to national construction and offers an example for the entire community to follow,” he said. He added: “This is a boost that the young people have given us, and we thank them for this initiative. We encourage them to maintain this spirit and work towards successfully completing their university studies to ensure the next generation.”
The notable presence of elements of the Defense and Security Forces alongside the conscripts gave this event a solemn and symbolic character, reinforcing the message of unity and social cohesion.