Editorial: Captain Ibrahim Traore’s Diplomatic Faux Pas Must Be Condemned

John Dramani Mahama and Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang were officially sworn in as Ghana’s President and Vice President respectively at a vibrant ceremony held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at the Black Star Square in Accra.

The event, a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic journey, attracted dignitaries from across the globe, including sitting and former presidents, political leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders and the general public.

Among the distinguished guests was Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traore, whose presence symbolised solidarity and the strengthening of regional ties.

However, one striking element during the event drew public attention, when Captain Ibrahim Traorewent to congratulate the newly inducted president carrying his sidearm which wasvisibly fixed on him. This has sparked a broader discussion on diplomatic and security protocols.

First of all, The Chronicle strongly condemns the breach of protocol by Captain Ibrahim Traoré and his security guards. This act not only violated established diplomatic norms but also highlighted glaring lapses in security protocols on the part of those in charge of providing safety on the day.

While regional solidarity and mutual respect among African leaders are crucial, such a breach of protocol undermines the sanctity of diplomatic engagements and raises critical concerns about the security of similar high-profile events in the future.

The conduct of visiting dignitaries during state functions is governed by well-established diplomatic norms designed to promote trust, mutual respect and peaceful collaboration. Central to these is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), which provides a framework for interactions between states.

It emphasizes respect for the sovereignty of host nations and dictates that visiting leaders entrust their safety to the host country’s security apparatus. This practice is both practical and symbolic, demonstrating trust in the host nation’s capacity to protect its guests.

Captain Traoré’s decision to visibly carry a sidearm during a formal diplomatic event not only flouted these unwritten rules but also sent an unsettling message.

Globally, visiting heads of state adhere to strict disarmament protocols during diplomatic visits. Even in countries with heightened security concerns, these protocols are observed to preserve decorum and mutual respect. For instance, during visits to the United States, no foreign leader is permitted to carry arms; their security is solely entrusted to the U.S. Secret Service.

Closer to home, Nigeria has hosted numerous African leaders during state visits and regional summits, including Captain Traoré’, without any incidents of armed dignitaries. This act is accepted nowhere and Ghana should not be an exception.

Though Burkina Faso is a frontline state in the fight against terrorism in West Africa and is grappling with insurgencies that have left parts of its territory ungovernable. This has resulted in Captain Traoré’s leadership style deeply rooted in his military background, and his visible armament may reflect a calculated statement of resilience amid these challenges.

However, it is not an excuse for him to visit the country armed. Diplomatic settings like Ghana’s inauguration are not the place for such displays. They demand a careful balance between personal security concerns and adherence to international norms.

Emmanuel Bensah, a policy analyst with ECOWAS and the African Union rightly described the incident as a “security risk” during an interview with an Accra based television station. Allowing any foreign leader to approach the President while visibly armed reflects a failure in the pre-event security sweep and raises concerns about the adequacy of the measures in place.

While Ghana prides itself on its reputation for peace and stability in the region, this incident exposes vulnerabilities that could have been exploited in less benign circumstances.

Ghana’s role as a beacon of democracy and stability in West Africa places a significant responsibility on its shoulders. Incidents like this undermine the country’s reputation and set a dangerous precedent for future diplomatic engagements.

What if other leaders decide to emulate President Traoré’s actions? Would Ghana’s security apparatus be prepared to manage such deviations from protocol without compromising the safety and dignity of its own leaders?

We must act swiftly and decisively to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring that its reputation as a bastion of stability and diplomacy remains intact.

We must take immediate steps to review and tighten its security protocols for state events. Stricter measures, including comprehensive disarmament checks for all dignitaries, must be non-negotiable moving forward.

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