Burkina Faso launches new War College for military officer training

École de guerre military training national sovereignty strategic planning IEMS-TA

Burkina Faso has officially launched a War College within the Tiéfo Amoro Higher Military Education Institute (IEMS-TA) in Ouagadougou. The inauguration was led by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo on September 18, 2026.

The inaugural class consists of approximately ten Burkinabè officers. The curriculum is designed to focus on military strategy, operational planning, command, and the analysis of defense and security situations. The initiative aims to develop an endogenous doctrinal approach based on the country’s own history, traditions, and experiences.

Prime Minister Ouédraogo emphasized that the school is a step toward reclaiming national sovereignty, stating that true defense sovereignty cannot be achieved if the military elite must continue to seek training abroad. The government has pledged to provide the necessary resources to support the institute, with the long-term goal of making IEMS-TA a reference institution at regional and African levels.