🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Bobo-Dioulasso celebrates Sahelian fraternity and community richness at the 22nd National Culture Week
via Lefaso.net8 min read
Bobo-Dioulasso hosted the 22nd National Culture Week, with the official opening ceremony for the Alliance of Sahel States Fraternity Week, the Communities Village, and the African Gastronomy Gallery held on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The event, presided over by the Prime Minister, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, featured speeches, artistic performances, a ribbon-cutting, and stand visits. The Communities Village, a key part of the National Culture Week, serves as a hub for cultural exchange and discovery, showcasing the cultural diversity of Burkina Faso and the African continent. This year, it brought together 31 Burkinabè and 15 African communities, highlighting traditions, heritage, and identity. Laurent Kontogom, president of the special delegation of the commune of Bobo-Dioulasso, emphasized the symbolic importance of hosting the AES Fraternity Week, noting Bobo-Dioulasso's history of fostering fraternity and social cohesion. Mamou Daffé, the Malian Minister of Handicrafts, Culture, Hotel Industry, and Tourism, praised the vision of the heads of state of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, including Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Abdourahamane Tiani, and General Assimi Goïta, for their commitment to Sahelian fraternity. Minister Traoré, speaking on behalf of the Burkinabè government, highlighted culture's role as a collective memory, identity foundation, and instrument of sovereignty, emphasizing shared values of hospi
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The Minister of State for War and Patriotic Defense, General Célestin Simporé, visited the Training and Development Center and the Samendéni hydro-agricultural dam on January 26, 2026. The visit aimed to support the ongoing sylvo-agro-pastoral offensive for food sovereignty. During his mission, General Simporé met with instructors and recruits from the National Service for Development SND, who are currently mobilized to strengthen the agricultural workforce. The visit highlighted concrete results, including the development of 40 hectares for cereal production, the growth of fish farming in floating cages, and market gardening activities. In line with the vision of the President of Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, the Minister of State encouraged local actors and reaffirmed the government's commitment to diversifying agricultural techniques. He emphasized the national ambition to achieve food self-sufficiency through enhanced support for productive initiatives.
The 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, was inaugurated by the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Among the exhibitors, Chinese culture stood out. According to Li Qi, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Burkina Faso, China's participation aligns with the 2026 Sino-African cultural and human exchange initiative. She explained that this event provides an opportunity to promote the Chinese language and culture and foster cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Chinese stand, led by the Confucius Institute, features various Chinese actors involved in Sino-Burkinabe cooperation. These include agronomist experts working on millet cultivation, the BUCG company involved in the expansion of Bobo-Dioulasso International Airport, and a Chinese medical team offering traditional Chinese medicine and cardiology services. Li Qi noted that the medical team would provide demonstrations and on-site acupuncture treatments, allowing the Burkinabe public to discover traditional Chinese medicine. She expressed enthusiasm for participating in this national event, which aims to strengthen cultural ties, promote Chinese language and culture, and consolidate relations between China and Burkina Faso. Visitors can also enjoy games and receive small souvenirs.
Must ReadThe Government of Senegal has strongly condemned the coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred on April 25, 2026, targeting several military positions and urban areas in Mali. Dakar expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, denouncing these acts of violence attributed to armed terrorist groups. These actions are seen as a serious threat to civilian populations and undermine the stability of Mali and the entire region. Senegal conveyed its solidarity with the Malian government and people, offered condolences to the victims' families, and expressed support for the defense forces on the ground. Reaffirming its commitment to Mali's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the Senegalese government called for enhanced cooperation among regional states through existing mechanisms. Senegal reiterated its readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security, and stability in West Africa.
Must ReadCaptain Ibrahim Traoré, acting as the current president of the Confederation of Sahel States, issued a statement on April 25, 2026, strongly condemning the terrorist attacks in Mali. He described the persistent, barbaric, and inhumane aggressions as a monstrous plot supported by enemies of the Sahel's liberation struggle, which is being pursued through the confederal dynamic of the AES. Captain Traoré stated that these ignoble, cowardly, and barbaric actions against the sovereign state of Mali would not shake the will of the valiant people of the Sahel to live freely, in peace, and with dignity. The Confederation of Sahel States, through its president, expressed its total, unconditional, and fraternal solidarity with the Malian people and offered condolences to the families of the martyrs. It also thanked all states and partners who have shown solidarity and support for the Malian people. The Confederation of Sahel States reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to freedom, sovereignty, and dignity, and renewed its determination to continue its struggle until total liberation.