Bobo-Dioulasso: The College of Traditional Customary Chiefs B´b´-Mandar¨ celebrated, this Thursday, the Day of Customs and Traditions in Kibidou©, a village home to the Kr©v´ of Sya, a leading figure of the traditional customary chiefdom. The commemoration was punctuated by speeches, libation rituals, and fervent prayers for the return of peace to Burkina Faso. Administrative authorities, guardians of traditions, and followers of indigenous religions took part in the meeting.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the College's spokesperson, Omer Sanou, stated that this day has a dual significance: to reconnect communities with their cultural and spiritual roots, and to invoke the benevolence of their ancestors in a national context marked by security challenges. "We fulfill this sacred mission with loyalty, in the interest of preserving the spiritual and identity heritage passed down by our ancestors," he said. He added that the rites performed are part of an approach to contribute to reconciliation and national unity, through the values specific to African traditions.

The Minister of Civil Service, Labor and Social Protection, Mathias Traor©, who led a government delegation, recalled the profound significance of this day, established in 2024. According to him, it allows followers of traditional religions to freely practice their faith, while consolidating the secular nature of the state. The traditional leaders of Bobo-Dioulasso welcomed this official recognition, seeing it as a major step forward and the redress of long-standing marginalization.

Satisfied with the mobilization, the Kr©v´ de Sya called on Burkinabe people of all faiths to unite to build lasting peace in the country together.