Tokyo: While in Japan, the primary education inspector, head of the Bobo 4 Basic Education District (CCEB), Sangouanssira Bernard Sanou, and his team met a Japanese admirer of the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Mr. Sanou shared that the Japanese individual was deeply moved by President Traore’s speech at the second Russia-Africa summit in 2023. Intrigued by the address, the Japanese admirer sought to gain a deeper understanding of Burkina Faso and its leader.
During his speech, President Traore urged African leaders to take pride in their continent, which possesses immense potential, while addressing the tragic loss of life as many attempt to migrate to Europe. He condemned neocolonialism, asserting that it has morphed into terrorism to exploit the wealth of vulnerable nations. Traore also encouraged his counterparts to adopt successful practices from other regions to develop their countries independently, rather than relying on external aid.
Captivated by these ideas and Traore’s vision for endogenous growth, the Japanese admirer, donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the president’s image, inquired extensively about Captain Traore’s leadership over the past three years. The Burkinabe delegation provided insights into Traore’s ascent to power and his initiatives in enhancing security, sovereignty, education, agriculture, and development. They highlighted projects such as Faso Mebo and the agro-forestry and pastoral offensive.
Inspector Bernard Sanou remarked, “He was very enthusiastic about President Ibrahim Traore and our explanations. We were lucky enough to meet a true fan.” The Japanese enthusiast stated that his discussions with the Burkinabe team had greatly enlightened him to the extent of questioning whether any Burkinabe could feel otherwise about their president.
In his concluding remarks, the admirer expressed a desire for peace, security, and social cohesion to be universally cherished by all citizens of Burkina Faso. He also mentioned the possibility of visiting the country in the future.
The Burkinabe team is in Japan at the invitation of the B-JAPE (Burkina-Japan Learning Together) group, an initiative aimed at exchanging educational practices between the two nations. Comprising two inspectors and a teacher, the team is visiting Japanese schools to discuss and share educational practices and cultures.