Ouagadougou: The newspapers in Burkina Faso prominently featured the official visit of Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio to the Koulouba Palace and the launch of the Tiefo Amoro Institute of Higher Military Education (IEMS-TA) by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the state-run daily Sidwaya highlighted the Sierra Leonean president’s visit with the headline, “Julius Maada Bio reaffirms his country’s support for Burkina Faso.” President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, had a private meeting with President Bio during his friendship and working visit to Burkina Faso. This meeting was followed by a working session involving both delegations, where they discussed bilateral cooperation, regional unity, and international relations. The visit was noted as a reflection of the strong relations between the two nations.
The private newspaper Le Pays emphasized that President Bio’s visit was to show Sierra Leone’s support for Burkina Faso amidst its ongoing
security challenges. President Bio stated, “My visit is a gesture of solidarity to show the president and the people of Burkina Faso that they are not alone. We will do everything possible to bring peace back to this country.” L’observateur Paalga, another private daily, commented on the visit’s significance in maintaining the unity of the West African family.
In addition to the presidential visit, the launch of the Tiefo Amoro Institute of Higher Military Education was another significant event covered by the newspapers. The launch took place in Ouagadougou, led by Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, with government officials and military leaders in attendance.
Sidwaya reported the launch with the headline, “Tiefo Amoro Institute of Higher Military Education, the Prime Minister launches activities.” The Prime Minister noted that the institute represents an extension of Tiefo Amoro’s legacy, emphasizing the sacred duty of defending the motherland. L’observateur Paalga highlighted the institute’s motto,
“Thinking about war, Preparing for peace,” and described it as a historic moment for the national armed forces, aimed at achieving sovereignty and developing endogenous solutions. Le Pays confirmed the institute’s operationalization as a significant step towards enhancing the autonomy of the national armed forces in training.