Burkina Faso soldiers in new uniform
Burkina Faso Has unveiled a new traditional military uniform against the colonial military uniform that has existed over years .
The new Army uniform made entirely from the country’s traditional Faso Dan Fani fabric, was unveiled the graduation ceremony of the 25th class of the Georges Namoano Military Academy presided over by the Burkina Faso leader, Ibrahim Traore.
Burkina Faso’s soldiers stand in formation wearing the locally produced uniforms during the official graduation ceremony in Nahouri.
Traore arrives at the event and is welcomed by an honour guard before joining senior military officials for formal salutes, military drills and the presentation of certificates to graduating cadets.
Symbol of Burkina Faso’s Cultural Heritage
The new ceremonial attire is made from Faso Dan Fani, a handwoven textile widely recognised as a symbol of Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage. The fabric is traditionally associated with the Gourmanche people, one of the country’s largest ethnic groups, and is used in cultural and initiation ceremonies.
During the ceremony, Traore attached epaulettes and rank insignia to newly commissioned soldiers, while military units performed synchronised marching displays, sword drills and ceremonial handovers.
A total of 218 second lieutenants graduated from the academy’s 25th class, including 199 officers from the Burkina Faso Armed Forces. The graduates will serve in Burkina Faso and nine other African countries: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Djibouti, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Chad and Togo.
Honour For a Falling Soldier
The graduating class was named after Lieutenant Alexandre Bienvenu Sawadogo, who was killed while on military duty in February 2022.
The adoption of Faso Dan Fani in military uniforms is part of broader government efforts to promote national identity, support local textile production and reduce reliance on imported goods.
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Source: Viory/ You Tube
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