Informe sobre el país: Burkina Faso

1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Burkina Faso has no military conscription. [2] [3]

However, there is a form of civilian conscription. In September 1990 military training for conscripts was abolished and replaced by 'civil and patriotic' training, which lasts for one and a half month, followed by 10 months work in the production sector. Previously, conscription consisted of a one-year compulsory military service. [2]

It is not known who is liable for the compulsory civilian service and it is unclear whether the 'civil and patriotic' training still includes some form of military training.

recruitment

Apparently, recruitment into the armed forces is on a voluntary basis. [1]

No information is available about recruitment into the peoples' militia.

2 Conscientious objection

There is no known legal provision for conscientious objection. COs may face imprisonment. [1]

3 Draft evasion and desertion

No information available.

6 Annual statistics

The armed forces including the Gendarmerie are about 10,000 strong - nearly 0.1 percent of the population. There is also a 45,000 strong people's militia. [4]

Sources

[1] Eide, A., C. Mubanga-Chipoya 1985. Conscientious objection to military service, report prepared in pursuance of resolutions 14 (XXXIV) and 1982/30 of the Sub-Commission of Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. United Nations, New York. [2] Amnesty International 1991. Conscientious objection to military service. AI, London, UK. [3] Guinness World Fact Book. Guinness Publishing, London, 1994. [4] Institute for Strategic Studies 1997. Military Balance 1997/98. ISS, London, UK.