OUAGADOUGOU — This Monday’s Burkinabè newspapers prominently featured the decoration of Presidents Ibrahim Traoré and Assimi Goïta with the Grand Cross of Niger and a diplomatic engagement between the Prime Minister and Germany’s new ambassador.

According to Burkina Information Agency, President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso and Colonel Assimi Goïta of Mali were awarded the Grand Cross of Niger. This high honor was conferred by Abdourahamane Tiani, president of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, on Friday, July 19, 2024. The decorations are a recognition of their steadfast commitment to the sovereignty and solidarity of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and their efforts to uphold and promote the cultural values and dignified development of their peoples.

The same publication also detailed interactions between Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Dr. Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambèla, and the newly appointed German Ambassador, Dietrich Becker. The ambassador formally introduced himself to the Prime Minister on the same day, providing an opportunity to discuss the bilateral cooperation between Burkina Faso and Germany, future perspectives, and current global and regional issues.

During their meeting, when queried by Ambassador Becker about the Russian presence in Burkina Faso, the Prime Minister remarked that Russia had offered support when Western nations were reluctant, as reported by the private daily Le Pays. This interaction underscores Burkina Faso’s strategic navigations amid complex international relations.