Watch: Burkinabe artists condemn recent terrorist attacks

The song condemns the twin terrorist attacks in the Sanmatenga province of the northern region of Burkina Faso on 8 September 2019.

A government spokesperson told the local media that 15 civilians were reportedly killed and six others seriously injured after a transport truck hit an explosive device. Another 14 civilians were killed over an attack on a goods convoy on the Dablo-Kelbo road axis.

Explaining to Music In Africa the inspiration behind the song, musician Sialoxy said:" This is our own contribution in fighting the terrorists. 'Courages aux FDS' is a tribute song to the defense and security forces in Burkina Faso who put their lives on the line to try and bring back peace. They have also been targeted. Just last month, 24 soldiers were killed in a military base in northern."

The ongoing terrorist attacks by jihadist groups began in Mali in 2012 before spreading to Burkina Faso in 2015. Since then, over 500 people have been reportedly killed. The United Nation (UN) humanitarian information source Relief Web reported in July 2019 that the number of those displaced had risen from 50 000 in December 2018 to 270 000 in August with the most affected being the young and old.

"The attacks have also affected the country's cultural activities. Many musicians have been forced to flee the northern region and settle in the capital [Ougadougu] to be able to make music and perform. It is a very complicated situation," Burkinabe music promoter and founder of Afrik PagBa festival Issouf Balima said.

With the government struggling to contain the Islamist insurgency, African Regional heads of state are due to meet in Ouagadougou on 14 September to discuss the security situation.