By : Lloyd Mahachi
Capt Ibrahim Traore, caused a stir when he attended Ghana’s President John Mahama’s inauguration ceremony wearing military fatigues and carrying a holstered pistol. This unusual move has raised eyebrows, with some describing it as a breach of security protocol. The presence of the pistol was visible as Traore greeted President Mahama, sparking concerns about the security arrangements in place.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the appropriateness of Traore’s actions. Security analyst Vladmir Antwi Danso noted that it is unusual for a head of state to carry a sidearm to an inauguration ceremony, as the security of the visiting leader is typically the responsibility of the host nation. Danso suggested that Ghanaian and Burkinabe security personnel should have discussed the issue to ensure the right protocols were being followed.
Retired Col Festus Aboagye offered a different perspective, stating that bilateral arrangements can lead to variations in security protocols. Aboagye suggested that a consensus may have been reached to allow Traore to wear his military attire and carry his sidearm, along with some of his personal security details. However, Aboagye also noted that the presence of a gun-wearing leader at a democratic inauguration ceremony is unusual and may have been perceived as a provocation by some.
The context of Traore’s visit is significant, given the current diplomatic tensions in West Africa. Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has broken away from the regional bloc Ecowas to form a new alliance. The Alliance of Sahel States has accused Ecowas of trying to destabilize their countries. This move has created tensions between the breakaway states and the remaining Ecowas member states, including Ghana.
Emmanuel Bensah, who works on issues of regional integration, described the situation as “awkward,” given that a military leader was “wielding a gun” at a democratic inauguration ceremony. Bensah’s comments highlight the complexities of regional politics and the challenges of navigating diplomatic relationships. The presence of a gun-wearing leader at a democratic inauguration ceremony serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power and diplomacy at play.
Relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso have been strained, particularly after Ghana’s former President Nana Akufo-Addo accused Traore of harboring Russian mercenaries. Traore’s attendance at the inauguration was seen as a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at normalizing relations between the two countries. However, the presence of the pistol has raised questions about Traore’s intentions and the true nature of his visit.
Ghana’s support is crucial in helping Burkina Faso address its deadly militant jihadist insurgency, which poses a threat to coastal West African states. As the region navigates these complex challenges, the presence of a gun-wearing leader at a democratic inauguration ceremony serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power and diplomacy at play. The incident has highlighted the need for greater cooperation and understanding between regional leaders, as well as the importance of adhering to established security protocols.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
