馃嚙馃嚝Burkina FasoWest Africa
Ouagadougou to host second edition of Be Free Fashion Days, focusing on innovation in African textiles
via Lefaso.net3 min read
Ouagadougou is set to host the second edition of the Be Free Fashion Days from June 26 to 28, bringing together designers, models, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts. Abdoul Kader Lamizana, promoter of the Be Free brand, stated that the event, which began last year for his fashion house's tenth anniversary, aims to celebrate African creativity and promote continental talent. The three-day event will feature a "Street Runway" on June 26, a gala evening with an international fashion show at the Azala茂 hotel on June 27, and the "Be Free Fashion Chill" on June 28, an evening of relaxation, music, and artistic performances. This year's edition promises more innovations in staging and performances. Designers from Mali, C么te d'Ivoire, Benin, and Ghana, along with models from Togo, Guinea, C么te d'Ivoire, and Mali, are expected to participate, highlighting the event's international scope. The theme, "African Textiles: Innovating to Exist," encourages creators to rethink their approaches and design models that appeal to consumers. Lamizana emphasized that valuing African fabrics requires innovation, urging designers to create modern, attractive clothing adapted to public expectations. Abdoul Aziz Tiemtor茅, president of the organizing committee, called on Burkinab猫 to support the Be Free brand and local initiatives promoting national textiles. A茂da Ilo, Be Free brand ambassador, and Timoth茅e Serere, artistic director, also encouraged participation from models, professionals
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Lefaso.net.
Myl猫ne Amadji, co-founder of the Brise d'espoir association, highlights that ignorance is the main barrier to effective management of sickle cell disease in Burkina Faso. Brise d'espoir, a non-profit organization established in 2024, aims to raise awareness, inform, and advocate for better quality of life and access to care for individuals with sickle cell disease. Amadji, who lives with the condition and a motor disability, emphasizes that sickle cell disease affects over 4% of the general population and approximately 2% of Burkinabe newborns annually are born with the homozygous SS form. The association conducts online awareness campaigns, reaching over 2,000 people, and provides a contact number for inquiries. A significant concern among those contacting Brise d'espoir is identifying appropriate healthcare professionals. Amadji stresses the importance of early diagnosis for better management and pre-marital screening to understand electrophoretic status. She notes that two individuals carrying certain forms of the anomaly should avoid marriage due to the high risk of having children with severe forms of the disease. For instance, two AS carriers have a risk of having SS children; ideally, an AS or AC individual should marry an AA individual. Beyond ignorance, financial constraints pose a major obstacle, as medical consultations, examinations, and hospitalizations are costly. There is also a lack of healthcare professionals specifically trained in sickle cell disease manage
Must ReadThe General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces announced on June 18, 2026, that a significant military operation in the Di茅ma sector resulted in a substantial blow to a terrorist armed group. The intervention, conducted on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as part of an offensive reconnaissance mission by the Malian Armed Forces FAMa, led to the neutralization of approximately thirty terrorists. During the operation, ground units located and engaged a terrorist group that was carrying out hostile actions against civilian populations. The FAMa quickly brought the situation under control after a brief engagement. The Malian army reported that enemy resistance was professionally subdued, yielding significant results on the ground. Additionally, fifteen motorcycles used by the assailants for their movements and operations in the region were recovered. The operation also led to the discovery and destruction of ten improvised explosive devices IEDs, with six ready for use and four others under construction.
Must ReadDr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, Burkina Faso's Minister of Economy and Finance, has been elected President of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank IsDB for a one-year term. The election took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 19, 2026, during the 51st annual meetings of the IsDB Group. Dr. Nacanabo replaces Abdelkrim Bouzred, Algeria's Minister of Finance. This appointment places Burkina Faso at the helm of the IsDB's supreme governing body, which comprises representatives from member states responsible for guiding major policies and strategic priorities. Dr. Nacanabo's role will involve leading the Board of Governors' work, facilitating consultations among member countries, and promoting the IsDB's economic and social development initiatives. This designation reflects the confidence placed in Burkina Faso and its Minister of Economy and Finance within this significant international financial institution. It also provides the country with an opportunity to enhance its visibility on development finance, economic cooperation, and investment issues. The Burkinabe minister's election occurs as IsDB member states aim to intensify efforts towards inclusive growth, economic resilience, and infrastructure financing in developing countries.