Ouagadougou: The organizing committee of the 4th edition of the Ouagadougou International Festival of Traditional Instruments and Dances (FITO) held a meeting with Bassolma Bazie, the president of the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States (CN-CES). The meeting, which took place on Wednesday evening, focused on the upcoming cultural event scheduled to be held from May 22 to 24 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the festival is themed "Traditional musical instruments, factors in promoting social cohesion and peace" and aims to foster cultural values and unity. The committee, led by its chairman Dji Marc Koussoube, highlighted the significance of traditional instruments and dances as tools for peace and social cohesion, emphasizing the need to preserve these cultural expressions.

Mr. Koussoube presented the festival's main features to Mr. Bazie and his team, explaining that FITO provides a platform to promote and pass on cultural heritage to younger generations. Under the patronage of the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo, the event will focus on the expression, transmission, and safeguarding of Burkinab¨ cultural identities.

Communities such as the Dian, Tiefo, Peulh, Tamasheq, Sambla, and Bwaba will be honored during the festival, showcasing their skills and cultural heritage. The event will feature a variety of activities, including traditional dance performances, panels, cultural exhibitions, and a market street, among others.

The organizing committee also sought the sponsorship and guidance of Mr. Bazie to ensure the festival's success. Mr. Bazie praised the initiative and the committee's efforts in organizing previous editions, expressing his support for FITO as a vital platform for promoting cultural values that contribute to peace and social cohesion. He offered advice for effectively organizing the upcoming edition.

The festival aims to address the decline of traditional instruments and dances in Burkina Faso, ensuring their preservation and promotion for future generations.