Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, attended the inauguration of Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, in a rare foreign trip.
The ceremony, held at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, saw President Traoré draw significant attention, not only for his presence but also for the privileges he received.
In a departure from typical diplomatic norms, President Traoré was allowed to wear his military uniform, carry a pistol, and be accompanied by his own armed personal security.
His appearance at the event was met with a loud welcome from the crowd, but it also sparked criticism. Some social media users expressed concern about a head of state attending a democratic inauguration while armed, with Captain Traoré’s pistol visibly strapped to his waist. However, some praised President John Dramani Mahama for inviting Captain Traoré to the event.
This trip marked a significant moment for the Burkina Faso leader, as it was his first visit to an African country outside the AES since coming to power in September 2022.
