Burkina Faso’s President hosts graduation ceremony for 25th military academy promotion
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, received the 25th graduating class of the Georges-Namoano Military Academy at his official residence in Pô. The ceremony, which marked the end of their training, was both solemn and convivial, attended by families, guests, alumni, and several officials.
Named the “Lieutenant Sawadogo Alexandre Bienvenu Promotion,” this new cohort of officers was placed under the patronage of General Kassoum Coulibaly.
He reminded the young graduates of the moral and operational demands awaiting them in a context he described as an imperialist war imposed on the country. “You are not going to the theater of operations to surrender; as revolutionary officers, you are going there to triumph!” he declared, entrusting the new second lieutenants with the mission of restoring peace and ensuring the complete liberation of the national territory.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of diplomas, conducted in strict accordance with military protocol.
Section leaders and the top active-duty officer cadets received honor awards, before the new second lieutenants, as a gesture of gratitude, presented symbolic gifts to several dignitaries present.
The evening continued with a traditional rite as spectacular as it was moving: the baptism of the young officers by their seniors, who were invited to plunge into the water in full dress uniform, symbolically sealing their entry into the fraternity of Burkinabe officers. “It’s their way of passing on the spirit of camaraderie to us,” one of the graduates confided.
Beyond academic achievement, the ceremony paid tribute to the values of perseverance, selflessness, and sacrifice. Speaking on behalf of the family of the late Lieutenant Sawadogo Alexandre Bienvenu, after whom the promotion is named, a representative urged the young officers to embody his memory: “By bearing his name, you commit to being like him: seasoned soldiers, ready to give everything for Burkina Faso.”
The evening concluded with music, performed by the Orchestra of the Presidency of Faso, which played classics from the national repertoire as well as several African music hits.
Olivier TOE
