Traore’s weapon at inauguration draws sharp criticism from security analyst

Security consultant, Professor Kwesi Anning, has strongly criticized the Burkina Faso President, Ibrahim Traoré, for carrying a pistol visibly tucked to his side during President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration ceremony in Accra.

In an interview on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Professor Anning described the incident as a significant breach of diplomatic protocol and expressed his dismay at the display, particularly in the presence of high-profile dignitaries.

“What happened in Accra yesterday, I’ve seen all kinds on social media, was actually uncalled for,” he remarked.

“It was a breach of protocol, and quite a number of State and other dignitaries who were present might wonder about what they were seeing and whether they were seeing correctly.”

The event, which marked a critical moment in Ghana’s democratic history, saw leaders and representatives from across the continent gathered to witness the swearing-in of Mahama.

However, Traoré’s decision to attend with a sidearm raised eyebrows and sparked debates about diplomatic decorum and security arrangements during such events.

Professor Anning elaborated on the customary practices concerning visiting heads of state and their security details.

“Normally, when a head of state travels with his security protocols, they bear their guns, but they are left on the plane with the belief that the host country will provide maximum security,” he explained.

He dismissed arguments defending Traoré’s action, particularly those suggesting that the pistol was part of his uniform.

“That does not fly at all,” he asserted. “This was a major breach of protocol, particularly when heads of states were present and our own newly installed president was being greeted.”