Burkina Faso: Presidents of African constitutional courts express their gratitude to Captain Ibrahim Traore
On July 29, 2025, a prestigious delegation of presidents of African constitutional courts gathered in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, to mark a significant event. The occasion was the 25th anniversary of Burkina Faso’s Constitutional Council. The high-level attendees, from countries such as Mali, Senegal, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and others across the continent, participated in a scientific meeting focused on the rule of law and its contemporary challenges. The event was held under the patronage of the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Beyond the anniversary celebration, the delegation expressed their appreciation to the Head of State for his crucial support in organizing the gathering. It also served as an opportunity to address major legal issues and recognize President Traoré’s leadership in strengthening the rule of law across Africa.
The meeting brought together presidents of constitutional courts and legal experts from Senegal, Mali, Togo, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and of course Burkina Faso. Their discussions centered on the current challenges facing constitutional justice in Africa and the contributions of their institutions to building strong, democratic, rule-of-law-based states. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Me Amadou Ousmane Touré, President of Mali’s Constitutional Court, highlighted the importance of this scientific forum, which facilitated exchanges on legal issues common to West Africa and beyond.
Participants reflected on the state of constitutional justice amid political and security crises affecting various African nations. Me Amadou Ousmane Touré emphasized that while the rule of law is often tested by political turmoil and armed conflict, it must be reconsidered in light of exceptional circumstances. He argued that anti-terrorism measures are not necessarily incompatible with the principles of the rule of law. These reflections brought nuance to the discussions and offered crucial insights for countries grappling with insecurity-driven crises.
Ultimately, the event was not only a celebration of a quarter-century of Burkina Faso’s Constitutional Council but also a step toward strengthening ties among African judicial institutions. By providing a platform for dialogue among high-ranking legal officials, Captain Ibrahim Traoré demonstrated his commitment to upholding the values of the rule of law in Africa. The presidents of constitutional courts and legal experts in attendance commended his leadership and his pivotal role in facilitating these enriching exchanges, while also benefiting from his valuable perspectives on the contemporary challenges of constitutional justice.
