Ouahigouya Grand Imam El Hadj Amidou Traoré dies at 92

El Hadj Amidou Traoré, the Grand Imam of Ouahigouya, passed away on the night of Monday, October 19, 2026, due to illness. He was 92 years old.

Traoré’s life was marked by a unique transition from military service to religious leadership. A former soldier in the French army, he served in France, Algeria, and Djibouti. While stationed in Djibouti in 1956, he completed his first pilgrimage to Mecca. He later participated in the 1974 border conflict between Mali and Upper Volta.

Following his military career, he dedicated himself to Islamic teaching and the study of the Quran. In 2006, he was appointed Grand Imam of Ouahigouya, and in 2009, he was elevated to the rank of mouqaddam within the Tidjaniya brotherhood. Recognized for his role in social cohesion, he was named an ambassador of peace in 2018.

He was buried on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Youba road cemetery.