TITAO: In a bid to mend social divides and promote peaceful coexistence, the Rural World Association (AMR) organized a community day on December 26, 2024, in Titao. Part of the Community Recovery and Stabilization Project for the Sahel (PCRSS), this event featured demonstrations of traditional knowledge and cultural practices aimed at fostering unity among local communities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event saw various communities showcase their traditional skills, including dance performances set to local music and demonstrations of transforming local food products. Residents noted that these dishes are typically reserved for special occasions and traditional festivals. Elderly participants engaged in wale games, highlighting the transfer of cultural heritage from older to younger generations.
Soumaila Mandé, representing the AMR, emphasized the significance of reviving traditional practices to promote peace and social cohesion. “The aim of this day is to encourage the mixing of communiti
es. Through these actions, young people learn from their elders and this helps to preserve our traditions,” he stated. Mady Komi, a leader of a traditional troupe, underscored the power of cultural expressions to bring joy and foster forgiveness even in challenging times.
The communal women’s leader, Aminata Kagoné, expressed her astonishment at the exhibition of traditional dishes and cultural expressions, noting their importance in preserving cultural heritage. The event also highlighted the mediating role of blacksmiths in community conflicts, encouraging youth to adopt indigenous conflict prevention and management strategies.
As the region grapples with a worsening security and humanitarian situation, such initiatives are vital in promoting community integration and reducing social tensions.