Burkina Faso Grants Free Transport, Healthcare to War-Injured Citizens
Burkina Faso has approved free public transport and healthcare for citizens recognised as having suffered disabilities while defending the country, alongside support for families of those killed in recent political, social and security-related events.
The government announced the measures after its Council of Ministers on Thursday recognised 315 people as “Martyrs of the Nation” and 10 as “Invalids of the Nation.”
Those recognised as invalids will receive free public transportation and public healthcare, as well as psychosocial support. Their minor children will also receive state support as wards of the nation.
Families of those recognised as martyrs will receive psychosocial assistance, while their minor children will be placed under the state’s ward programme. The government will also cover transport and burial expenses for the deceased.
The measures were adopted under a 2022 law establishing the legal status and benefits for national martyrs and people who suffered disabilities in service to the country.
The government said the package was intended to provide long-term support to vulnerable families and recognise the sacrifices of those it considers to have defended the nation.
Burkina Faso has been battling a prolonged jihadist insurgency, with civilians, soldiers and members of the country’s volunteer defence forces among those affected by the violence.
