Defence Minister Célestin Simporé announced the registration total on 1 November, against a target of 100,000 reservists by the end of 2026. He described the reserve as a way to mobilise civilian skills alongside the regular military, including work that does not require carrying weapons permanently.
The announcement gives a first indication of the scale of participation in the recently opened registration campaign. The figure concerns people who have signed up; how many have completed selection, training or mobilisation remains unclear.
Parliament adopted the reserve’s legal framework on 26 May 2026. It creates two broad groups: people with military or comparable experience who can be mobilised immediately, and a second group of citizens intended to receive progressive training. The purpose is to provide an additional force that the armed forces can call upon when needed.
The first group includes former soldiers, internal-security personnel and former Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland. The second includes civilian volunteers and former national-service participants. Recruitment can include calls for volunteers aged at least 18, and reserve service is compatible with civilian employment.
Reservists may support operational units, training, command and specialist functions. Mobilisation can cover armed conflict and security crises, but also natural disasters and other requirements to reinforce military capabilities. The practical consequences will depend on which skills are selected and how call-ups are organised.