Ouagadougou: His Majesty Mogho Naaba Baongo has been awarded the prestigious title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the CYPRESS International Institute of Lilongwe University in Malawi, a branch of the University of Texas in the United States, for his exceptional leadership and efforts towards peace and social cohesion in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this accolade marks the second time such an honorary degree has been bestowed upon a traditional chief, following the recognition of the Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I, in 1960. Professor Tuweh Prince Gadama, vice-president of the CYPRESS International Institute, emphasized the significance of this award during a ceremony held at the Moogho Naaba Palace in Ouagadougou.

Professor Gadama praised the Moogho Naaba as a prominent figure in Africa, akin to historical emperors like Askia Mohamed and Mansa Moussa, for his continuous efforts in promoting social cohesion and development. He highlighted the Moogho Naaba's embodiment of the values of past African leaders, which led the Institute to honor him with this degree.

Issaka Congo, the spokesman for the royal family, expressed gratitude to the CYPRESS International Institute for their recognition, viewing it as a call to further promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect in Burkina Faso and beyond. He emphasized that this honor strengthens ties with the intellectual community and reinforces the Moogho Naaba's commitment to instilling cardinal values in future generations.

The ceremony was attended by Burkina Faso's Minister of Culture, Pegwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo, and the Minister of Security, Mahamoudou Sana, representing the President and Prime Minister of Burkina Faso. Minister Ou©draogo expressed the government's pride in the Moogho Naaba's contributions to social cohesion and peace, urging religious and traditional leaders to continue fostering solidarity and dialogue in the country.