Banfora: The launch of the 72-hour activities for the 16th African Dozo Day, combined with the 3rd day dedicated to customs and traditions, took place Thursday at the Place de la Nation in Banfora. Organized by the Regional Union of Dozos of the AES and Cascades regions, this cultural event aims to strengthen social cohesion, fraternity, community, and the promotion of ancestral knowledge.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the President of the URAC, Lassina Diao Ouattara, stated that the Dozo union is working towards peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. He mentioned that these days will provide an opportunity to offer prayers for the countries of the African and Southern African Regions (ASA) so that peace, security, and stability may prevail. He also announced traditional sacrifices in Dancoumba, at the waterfall site, as part of the Day of Customs and Traditions, to seek divine protection against terrorism.

Lassina Diao Ouattara took the opportunity to thank the administrative, customary and religious authorities, the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), the dozos, the populations of the region as well as the delegations from the AES countries for their strong mobilization.

The patron of the ceremony, His Majesty Tol© Maouran Sagnon, Chief of the Karaborola canton, welcomed the establishment of the day dedicated to customs and traditions. He believes this initiative presents an opportunity to promote Burkinab¨ cultural values, transmit traditional knowledge to young people, and strengthen social cohesion and national sovereignty.

Technical Advisor Mamadou Traor©, representing the Governor of the Tannounyan region, noted the growing public support for this day celebrating customs and traditions. He delivered a message of unity, peace, social cohesion, and living together to the people of Burkina Faso, inviting all segments of society, regardless of religion, to participate in this celebration.

All countries that have developed have relied on their traditional values, he argued, before calling on the people to unite to build and liberate the nation.