Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe nation paid tribute on Saturday, at the Place de la Nation in Ouagadougou, to the activist committed to national sovereignty, El Hadj Mahamadi Baguian, who died on April 1, 2026, during a ceremony marked by a posthumous decoration, military honors, and prayers for the repose of his soul.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Mahamadi Baguian was elevated to the dignity of Knight of the Order of the Stallion for his commitment to a dignified, liberated, and sovereign Burkina Faso alongside the National Coordination of Citizen Vigilance (CNAVC), before being taken to his final resting place in the municipal cemetery of Gounghin.
The ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of War and Patriotic Defence, General Celestin Simpore, and the Minister of Security, Mahamoudou Sana, at Revolution Square. Defense and security forces, Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), members of the National Coordination of Citizen Watch (CNAVC), as well as relatives and friends of the deceased also took part in the tribute.
At the Gounghin municipal cemetery, the burial took place in an atmosphere of solemnity and emotion. Prayers were offered for the repose of the deceased's soul, while several tributes recounted his commitment and his life story.
The Minister of War stated that the announcement of the death "plunged the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, and the entire government into consternation." He specified that he was conveying the message of condolence from the Head of State and the government to the family of the deceased and his comrades in arms.
Speaking at the event, CNAVC President Omar Michel Kopia welcomed the support of the authorities and invited members of the movement to remain mobilized "so that imperialist forces and their local proxies do not compromise the efforts undertaken."
Tracing Mahamadi Baguian's activist career, the president of the Citizen Watch Coordination stressed that his commitment dates back to 2022. According to him, the deceased had distinguished himself through his activism in favor of national sovereignty, including during his stay in Mecca, where he was arrested before being repatriated to Burkina Faso.
Mr. Kopia praised "an above-average commitment," emphasizing that the deceased had continued his fight despite the difficulties, notably by participating in citizen watch activities and actions to support the fighting forces. He finally called for vigilance against "manipulations" and reaffirmed the movement's determination to continue the struggle undertaken.
In a tribute, Awa Kassamba/Sawadogo, head of the women's wing of the "Faso ma patrie" movement and member of the CNAVC, praised the deceased's commitment. "He dedicated his life to the nation, with sincerity, loyalty, and love," she declared, describing him as "a fighter" who remained active in the field until his final days. She also called for prayers for the repose of his soul and for support for his family.