The Académie militaire Georges Namoano in Ouagadougou has graduated 136 new specialized officers, who will now serve in the Burkinabè Armed Forces. These officers have been trained in 29 different specialties, including civil engineering, computer science, psychology, and medicine. The graduation ceremony was attended by the Minister of State, Minister of War and Patriotic Defense, Célestin Simporé.
The new officers, comprising 103 from the 16th promotion and 33 from the continuum, have completed an 11-month training program that combined theoretical and practical instruction. Their curriculum included scientific knowledge, technical training, and a three-week combat stage with various military units. This training aims to equip them with the skills needed to serve effectively in the military.
One of the graduates, Mohamed Salif Lionel Zorom, a medical doctor, exemplifies the diverse range of professionals now part of the Burkinabè Armed Forces. Zorom defended his doctoral thesis in medicine on June 26, 2025, and has now become an officer. His background demonstrates the high level of expertise being integrated into the military.
The delegate of the graduating class, Dramane Ouattara, expressed gratitude to the trainers and pledged the new officers' commitment to serving the nation. He emphasized that the graduates are ready to apply their knowledge and skills responsibly and with dedication to their assigned missions.
Minister Célestin Simporé, who presided over the ceremony, praised the trainers for their efforts in shaping these specialized officers. He congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain committed to defending the nation in the context of the country's fight against terrorism. The minister highlighted that this graduation aligns with President Ibrahim Traoré's vision of building a professional army.
The addition of these 136 specialized officers enhances the Burkinabè military's capabilities in various fields, including civil engineering, computer science, psychology, and medicine. This development is crucial as the country continues its efforts to combat terrorism. The graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the officers' careers, as they prepare to contribute to national defense.
With this new group of officers, the Burkinabè Armed Forces are strengthening their professional capacities, in line with the government's strategy to enhance the military's effectiveness. The country's fight against terrorism remains a priority, and the integration of these specialized officers is seen as a positive step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Burkinabè military has graduated 136 new specialized officers trained in 29 different specialties.
- The officers have completed an 11-month training program that included theoretical and practical instruction.
- The graduation aligns with President Ibrahim Traoré's vision of building a professional army to combat terrorism.
