Diebougou: Frederic W. Kabore, known as the 'AES cyclist,' arrived Thursday in Diebougou, a stopover on his tour called 'Pedaling with the AES flag,' after leaving Disshin, in Ioba province. Greeted at the eastern entrance to the city by a crowd, the Pan-Africanist activist was escorted to the town hall where the president of the special delegation (PDS), Aime Ouedraogo, and several officials were waiting for him. Highlights of the welcome included handshakes, speeches, the presentation of the AES flag to the PDS, the playing of the AES anthem, and family photos.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Frederic Kabore explained that his cycling trip aims to "show everyone that the imperialists lie too much about us, they manipulate us." He asserted that contrary to alarmist rhetoric, Burkina Faso remains "fresh, green, and rich." Kabore challenged the narrative of insecurity by stating, "If I was able to leave Ouagadougou, cross over and go to Mali, it proves that insecurity is not what they say."
To give substance to this conviction, the cyclist crisscrosses not only Burkina Faso but also the sub-region and beyond. "I took the bike, I traveled Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Guinea Conakry. I had the chance to spend two weeks in Russia to raise the flag of the AES. After Russia, I traveled to Accra, the tour of the twelve districts and the six communes of Ouagadougou," he recalled.
Visibly touched by the welcome, Frederic W. Kabore thanked the inhabitants of Diebougou for their hospitality. PDS President Aime Ouedraogo welcomed "a patriotic gesture" and invited young people to follow this example: "Each of us can, in our own way, affirm our love for Burkina Faso and for the AES."
Having left Ouagadougou on September 15, Frederic Kabore continues a journey that will take him to Gaoua, the capital of the Djoro region, with a new stopover planned for the following day in the Poni province.