Bobo Dioulasso Reports Successful National Culture Week, Credits Innovations

Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso – The 21st edition of the National Culture Week (SNC) concluded on Saturday, May 4, 2024, with the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Rimtalba Jean Emanuel Ouédraogo, praising the innovative approaches taken this year.

According to Burkina Information Agency, these innovations significantly enhanced the event, marking both its 40th anniversary and this year’s successful organization. “It’s already time to say goodbye. While waiting to take stock of the organization, I can assure you that the innovations contributed to giving a particular shine to the event, and we can affirm that we won the challenge of the organization,” stated Ouédraogo during the closing ceremony.

This year’s festival, held under the theme “Culture, historical memory, and patriotic surge for a new Burkina,” aimed to reflect on the country’s cultural heritage and future prospects. The Minister noted that the theme encouraged professional dialogue and creative presentations, aligning with the transitional government’s vision for Burkina Faso. Ouédraogo also highlighted the restructuring of the cultural administration, including the integration of the Anselme Titianma SANON House of Culture into the National Culture Week as a Public Establishment of the State of an Administrative nature, which has been part of broader state reforms for cost efficiency and effectiveness.

In his closing remarks, Ouédraogo expressed gratitude to the sponsors, participants, cultural professionals, and various ethnic communities who contributed to the festival’s success. Special thanks were given to Niger, the guest country of honor, for its active participation. The Minister also acknowledged the country’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) for their role in maintaining national security, which facilitated the smooth running of the event. Looking ahead, Ouédraogo extended an invitation to the 22nd edition of the National Culture Week scheduled for March 2026.