Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie (VDP)

The Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie (VDP) are civilian auxiliaries in Burkina Faso who support the national army in the fight against jihadist groups. They are newsworthy due to their involvement in recent attacks and, more significantly, allegations of widespread human rights abuses. A recent Human Rights Watch report alleges that the VDP, along with the Burkinabé army and jihadist groups, have been responsible for the deaths of over 1,800 civilians between 2023 and 2025. Despite this, the VDP continue to be actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations, as evidenced by a recent attack in the Centre-Nord region where they fought alongside soldiers against the Jnim, resulting in at least twenty deaths. The VDP's role highlights the complex and often brutal nature of the conflict in Burkina Faso, raising concerns about accountability and the protection of civilians.