Burkina Faso commemorated the 65th anniversary of its independence in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, December 11, 2025 with a carefully structured ceremony that brought together diplomats, members of the Sahelian diaspora, and officials of the United States Government for a moment of national reflection and regional solidarity.
The program opened with the national anthem of Burkina Faso. As the anthem was played, the national flag was hoisted, setting a solemn tone for the occasion. The ceremony was moderated by Servace Maryse Dabou, Press Attaché, who guided the proceedings throughout the morning.
A central moment of the commemoration was the reading of a national address from President Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso. The message was delivered by His Excellency Kassoum Coulibaly, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to the United States. In his address, President Traoré framed independence as a living responsibility rather than a historical milestone, placing emphasis on sovereignty, collective discipline, and national resolve.
The President paid tribute to Burkina Faso’s defense and security forces, citing recent territorial recoveries and renewed operational control in areas previously affected by insecurity. He spoke of sovereignty as a comprehensive national project that extends across defense, industry, agriculture, health, education, and civic consciousness. His message called on citizens, including those in the diaspora, to remain engaged in the work of national transformation and to view independence as inseparable from self-reliance and responsibility.
President Traoré also addressed the role of youth, educators, health workers, farmers, and economic actors, urging sustained commitment to domestic production, industrial development, and food self-sufficiency. He described the country’s current direction as closely watched beyond its borders and encouraged unity and discipline in advancing a shared national vision.
Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation that gained independence in 1960, is often referred to as the “Land of Upright People,” a name reflecting its emphasis on civic duty, dignity, and national integrity.
Following the reading of the presidential message, Ambassador Coulibaly offered brief welcoming remarks. He acknowledged the presence of members of the Sahel States diaspora, Her Excellency Aissatou Clémence Bare, Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to the United States; Mr. Noel Diarra, Minister Counselor of Embassy of Mali, and representatives of the United States Department of State, noting the value of regional ties and diplomatic engagement.
The United States Government was represented by Mr. Greg Segas, Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa Affairs, who delivered a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The message conveyed congratulations to the people of Burkina Faso on their National Day and reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the United States and Burkina Faso, including continued engagement in areas of shared interest and economic cooperation.
Remarks from regional partners followed. Ambassador Aissatou Bare, spoke of the enduring bonds and shared destiny linking the peoples of the Sahel and emphasized unity and mutual support among Alliance of Sahel States countries. Mr. Noel Diarra, Minister Counselor of Embassy of Mali echoed these sentiments, recalling the sacrifices of elders and ancestors whose struggles secured independence and dignity for future generations.
The ceremony concluded with photo opportunities and a traditional community meal, allowing guests to engage informally and share in a cultural setting that reflected the spirit of Burkina Faso’s National Day.
As Burkina Faso marks 65 years of independence, the Washington observance offered a moment to reflect on national purpose, regional cooperation, and the continuing pursuit of sovereignty in a changing global landscape.
