🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkina Faso launches 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso
via Lefaso.net4 min read
The 22nd edition of the National Culture Week SNC officially began on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. The event, which runs until May 2, was inaugurated at the Sangoulé-Lamizana omnisports stadium by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, with three gong strikes. The opening ceremony featured artistic performances, regional parades, mask carnivals, and shows blending modern and traditional elements, captivating a large audience. Laurent Kontogom, president of the special delegation of the commune of Bobo-Dioulasso, welcomed participants and highlighted the SNC's role in social cohesion amidst national challenges. The event also included speeches from its patron and the Minister of Culture from Ghana, the guest of honor, underscoring the SNC's growing international reach. Gilbert Ouédraogo, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, read President Traoré's speech, which emphasized the symbolic importance of this edition in a difficult security context, praising the resilience of the Burkinabe people and culture as a pillar of unity and identity. Under the theme "Culture, youth, and the transmission of social values," this edition focuses on the youth's role in preserving and transmitting cultural values such as respect, solidarity, patriotism, and living together. The Minister of Culture stated that culture serves as a vector of resilience and reconstruction, bridging generations and building a united society. The SNC 2026 will host t
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Must ReadBurkina Faso's Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, on behalf of the President of Faso, launched the Manifesto of the Popular Progressive Revolution RPP on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The launch ceremony, held at the "Koulouba" stand of the Presidency of Faso, was attended by the Prime Ministers of Mali, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, and Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. According to the Burkinabe Prime Minister, the Manifesto is a pocket-sized book outlining the current direction of Burkina Faso and detailing the President of Faso's major historical and transformational projects for the country. The 52-page manifesto is divided into six chapters covering national defense and war, inclusive socioeconomic progress, cultural rearmament, diplomacy and international relations, governance strengthening, and societal issues. It describes the current society and projects an ideal future. To ensure widespread understanding, the Presidency of Faso announced that the Manifesto will be translated into national official languages and English.
An awareness workshop on mental health was organized for young basketball players participating in the Afrophygital League Burkina, a tournament combining sports and digital innovation. The session, led by psychologists from Peace Psychologie et Expertise, addressed emotions, particularly stress, which is common in competitive situations. Faustine Girard, director of the firm, explained that stress is a normal reaction to a challenging situation and occurs naturally when the body faces a stake or pressure. She emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate stress but to learn to manage it, as poorly managed stress can prevent young athletes from reaching their full potential. The workshop also highlighted self-knowledge as key to personal development and performance, encouraging participants to identify emotions, strengths, and limits, and to seek professional help when needed. Psychologist Sékou Sory stressed the importance of mental preparation in sports, distinguishing between players who execute without ambition and those who set goals, build self-confidence, and develop mental strength. He noted that performance also depends on mental aspects like concentration, motivation, and managing emotions such as fear or doubt. Jean-Christophe Lingani, a young basketball player, shared that he often experiences stress during matches and doesn't know how to manage it, but the workshop provided him with relaxation and breathing techniques. Mental health professionals reiterated that t
Must ReadMali's transitional government announced on April 25, 2026, that armed terrorist groups launched complex and coordinated attacks targeting several garrison towns, including Kati, Sévaré, Gao, Kidal, and Bamako. These terrorist acts resulted in 16 injuries among civilians and military personnel, who are receiving medical care, and limited material damage. The government stated that the terrorist offensives were brought under control, with several terrorists neutralized, and that the situation is now fully under control in all affected localities. The government commended the armed forces and urged the Malian population to remain vigilant and calm in the face of these desperate attempts by armed terrorist groups and their sponsors. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious movements and to rely exclusively on official government channels for reliable information.
Burkinabe students trained in China have officially launched the Association of Burkinabe Alumni of China, aiming to unite members and actively contribute to national development and strengthen cooperation between Burkina Faso and China. The launch ceremony took place at Aube Nouvelle University on April 24, 2026, coinciding with the celebration of International Chinese Language Day. The event gathered diplomats, academics, and many former Burkinabe students who studied in China. Through this association, the alumni intend to pool their skills, share experiences, and act as a force for proposals in various key sectors. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Burkina Faso, Deyong Zhao, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the joint celebration as a strong symbol of cultural rapprochement. He emphasized that promoting the Chinese language is a strategic lever for cooperation, encouraging more alumni to integrate into the language and improve their understanding of Chinese culture. Ambassador Zhao also noted the opportunities learning Chinese opens for Burkinabe youth, calling it a tool for global openness and a language of the future. The Chinese embassy plans to play an active role, supporting young Burkinabe interested in learning Chinese and strengthening bilateral relations through initiatives like the "Sino-African year for human and cultural exchanges." Oumar Dicko, president of the association, expressed gratitude to the Chi