Ouagadougou: The Movement for the Culture of Peace and Love of the Fatherland (MPAP) has officially launched the sixth edition of the 'Ambassadors of Peace Awards (APA)', featuring eight trophies in competition, including the prestigious Grand APA. This award honors individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace and social cohesion.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the MPAP will host a charity gala, "The Ambassadors of Peace Awards," on July 31, 2026, at the banquet hall of Ouaga 2000. During this event, eight distinctions will be presented to honor notable personalities and initiatives that support peace, leadership, patriotism, integration, and solidarity. MPAP president Jean Marie Zoma announced this at a recent press conference.
The awards include the Grand APA, Leadership APA, Patriotism APA, Honor APA, Social Commitment APA towards the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), Integration APA, AES APA, and a Special Jury Prize. Additionally, the event will highlight solidarity efforts for the widows and orphans of fighting forces and recognize citizens or organizations dedicated to peace and development in Burkina Faso.
Paul-Marie Zoma, president of the MPAP, emphasized that the initiative aims to promote values of citizenship, civic-mindedness, dialogue, tolerance, and love of country. He stated, "We are convinced that no sustainable development can be envisaged without true peace and social cohesion." The winners will be chosen by a jury based on criteria such as testimonials, verifiable facts, and concrete achievements, ensuring complete impartiality.
The theme for the 6th edition of the APA is "Facing security challenges, love of country as a force of unity and social cohesion." It will be held under the high patronage of His Majesty Naaba Sigiri Dima of Boussouma. Preceding the awards ceremony, a panel discussion will take place on July 30, 2026, at the Burkina Faso Institute of Finance (formerly ENAREF), featuring eminent personalities discussing this year's theme.
Organizers have noted the participation of several prominent figures from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Benin, and Gabon and have invited media support to promote the values of peace, patriotism, and social cohesion. The MPAP, founded in October 2017 in Koudougou, is a non-political Burkinab¨ association dedicated to fostering a culture of peace, social cohesion, and civic responsibility, while supporting the State's efforts in combating terrorism.