UNIPGC Honours President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso with the Title of Grand Commander of Peace (GCOP)
Posted on: April 25, 2025.
In a remarkable celebration of leadership and commitment to transformational development, President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, was honored with the prestigious title of Grand Commander of Peace (GCOP) by the African Continental Chapter of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC AFRICA). The honor was conferred during the 14th Edition of the Pan African Leadership Symposium and Honors (PALESH Nigeria 2025), held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

The award was ratified by the UNIPGC Supreme Council, under the leadership of Global President H.E. Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, and endorsed by the event's steering committee chaired by former Vice President of Liberia, H.E. Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor. The council recognized President Traoré for his outstanding commitment to peace, leadership excellence, and sustainable development under the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.




The symposium convened top African leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers, and parliamentarians who engaged in critical discussions on adaptive leadership and the prospects and challenges surrounding stability across the African continent.



President Traoré was ably represented by one of his senior advisers, Dr. Samuel Kalkoumdo, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the President and accepted the award. He was accompanied by senior diplomats from Burkina Faso’s Embassy, Consulate, and High Commission in both Abuja and Lagos.



During the award presentation, Amb. Jonathan Ojadah lauded President Traoré’s transformative agenda and visionary leadership. He remarked:

> “This award recognizes your exceptional performance in nation-building and the transformational development of Burkina Faso. Since assuming office, you have launched bold initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, agricultural productivity, and economic growth. Your leadership has put Burkina Faso on the path of what we call the ‘African Revolution.’”

Amb. Ojadah further emphasized:

> “At just 36, your tenure has already left an indelible mark. From mobile health clinics reaching remote communities, to the revitalization of local industries and reform in the gold mining sector, your drive for a self-reliant Burkina Faso stands out amidst regional instability and global skepticism.

Background and Leadership Journey of Capt. Ibrahim Traoré



Captain Ibrahim Traoré emerged as Burkina Faso’s leader following a military coup on September 30, 2022, ousting then-leader Paul-Henri Damiba, who had earlier overthrown President Roch Kaboré in January of the same year. Citing public dissatisfaction with worsening insecurity, Traoré, then 34 years old, ascended to power as one of the world’s youngest leaders.

Since taking office, President Traoré has initiated significant changes:
- Establishment of Burkina Faso’s first state-owned bank
- Nationalization of at least two gold mines
- Formation of a strategic alliance with neighboring military-led nations Mali and Niger
- Withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing misalignment with national interests, and formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which recently introduced a joint passport initiative

President Traoré also severed longstanding ties with former colonial power France, signaling a shift toward greater national autonomy. His government has faced criticism over delayed plans for a return to civilian rule, justified by persistent insecurity that continues to threaten national stability.

Despite these challenges, Burkina Faso’s economy grew by 3.6% in 2023, while inflation sharply declined from 14.1% in 2022 to 0.7% in 2023. The African Development Bank attributes this to improved food supply and increased tax revenue.

However, the security landscape remains fragile. In 2023 alone, insurgent attacks caused nearly 8,000 deaths—accounting for 67% of such fatalities in the Sahel region—and over 2 million people remain internally displaced. In response, the transitional government extended its mandate by five years, pushing the end of its current tenure to July 2029.




Captain Traoré’s recognition as Grand Commander of Peace reflects a broader acknowledgment of his bold efforts to redefine leadership and governance in a turbulent yet hopeful era for Burkina Faso and the Sahel region.

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