Ouahigouya:Former soldier and Grand Imam of Ouahigouya, El Hadj Amidou Traore, was laid to rest on Tuesday afternoon, October 20, 2026, at the "Youba road" cemetery. Traore, who was born in 1932, passed away on the night of Monday, October 19, 2026, after an illness, leaving behind a legacy of service in both the military and religious fields.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Traore's journey began in the French army, where he served in France, Algeria, and Djibouti. It was during a military assignment in Djibouti in 1956 that he performed his first pilgrimage to Mecca. After his military service, which included participation in the 1974 border conflict between Mali and Upper Volta, he transitioned to a life dedicated to Islamic teaching and spirituality.

Traore became the Grand Imam of Ouahigouya in 2006 and was later recognized as a mouqaddam, a spiritual guide of the Tidjaniya brotherhood, by Sheikh Mahi Cisse of Kaolack, Senegal, in 2009. He made his second pilgrimage to Mecca in 2010, followed by a spiritual visit to Kaolack. In 2018, he was named an ambassador of peace, reflecting his commitment to social cohesion.

For nearly two decades, Traore led the central mosque in Ouahigouya with widespread support. His son, Adama Traore, emphasized his father's dedication to the faith and influence on the community, which was evident in the large turnout at his funeral. Sheikh El Hadj Youssouf Ouedraogo also highlighted Traore's contributions to the community through his Quranic knowledge and advocacy for Islam.

The funeral ceremony was attended by a diverse group, including the Muslim community, religious leaders, administrative and customary authorities, and residents from Naaba Kango and other localities. El Hadj Amidou Traore is survived by two widows and fifteen children, including eleven boys and four girls.