Burkina Faso’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Kassoum Coulibaly, officially took uphis post on Thursday, July 24, after presenting his credentials to U.S. President Donald Trum p during a formal ceremony at the White House.
Dressed in Burkina Faso’s symbolic “combat uniform,” Ambassador Coulibaly delivered the signed letter of accreditation from Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of the Burkinabe transition government, formally launching his diplomatic mission in Washington.
In a statement addressed to the U.S. State Department, Coulibaly acknowledged the long-standing ties between Burkina Faso and the United States, and emphasized their importance amid the challenging circumstances his country currently faces.
“For a decade, my country has been facing an unprecedented security and humanitarian crisis, fueled by terrorists affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State,” he stated.
Despite the adversity, the ambassador expressed confidence in Burkina Faso’s renewed efforts to restore national stability.
He pointed to the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré as a decisive factor in advancing the fight against terrorism.
“The arrival of Captain Ibrahim Traoré to power marked a decisive turning point,” Coulibaly noted.
“Thanks to the mobilization of the nation’s vital forces, we have reconquered significant portions of the national territory and witnessed the gradual return of internally displaced persons.”
Highlighting Burkina Faso’s development agenda, Coulibaly affirmed that his country is committed to becoming “a more secure, more sovereign and more resilient” nation. He stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships that are grounded in equality and mutual trust.
Responding to the ambassador’s remarks, President Trump reiterated America’s readiness to cooperate with Burkina Faso across a range of sectors.
“We have opportunities for collaboration in areas such as trade, energy, mining, and telecommunications,” the U.S. president stated, signaling continued diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Ambassador Coulibaly’s appointment comes at a time when Burkina Faso, alongside fellow members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), is working to stabilize the region and assert greater sovereignty in the face of ongoing security challenges.
About The Author
