Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe newspapers prominently featured the official visit of Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio to Burkina Faso and the inauguration of the Tiefo Amoro Institute of Higher Military Education (IEMS-TA) in their recent editions.

According to Burkina Information Agency, President Julius Maada Bio’s visit to the Koulouba Palace was covered extensively. During his visit, President Bio met with the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, for a one-on-one discussion aimed at reinforcing the ties between the two nations. This meeting was followed by a broader working session involving delegations from both countries, where they discussed bilateral cooperation, regional unity, and international relations. The visit, described as a gesture of solidarity, is seen as an affirmation of Sierra Leone’s support for Burkina Faso amidst its ongoing security challenges. President Bio emphasized their commitment to assisting Burkina Faso in its quest for peace.

The launch of the Tiefo Amoro Institute of Higher Military Education also garnered significant attention. Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo inaugurated the institute’s activities in Ouagadougou, marking a pivotal development for the national armed forces. The state newspaper, Sidwaya, reported that the institute is a tribute to the legacy of Tiefo Amoro, underscoring the sacred duty of defending the motherland. The institute’s motto, “Thinking about war, Preparing for peace,” reflects a focus on sovereignty and self-reliance in military education and training.

The private newspaper Le Pays highlighted the importance of the institute’s operationalization as a crucial step in enhancing the autonomy of Burkina Faso’s armed forces. The launch was attended by government officials and military leaders, marking a historic moment in the country’s defense sector.