Honorary Consul Highlights Role of Culture in Strengthening Social Cohesion in Burkina Faso Amid Security Crisis

Ouagadougou — Hammadoun Dicko, The Gambia’s honorary consul in Burkina Faso, emphasized the role of cultural unity in overcoming the ongoing security crisis in the nation. Speaking at the opening of the Pulaaku International Festival on Saturday, he stressed the need for communities to rebuild social ties while respecting cultural differences.

According to a new release by Burkina Information Agency, the festival aims to foster social cohesion and combat violent extremism through cultural expressions.

The Gambia’s honorary consul stated that employing culture alongside the efforts of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP) will accelerate the nation’s victory against terrorism. “Important work is being done at the moment. We can all see it,” Dicko noted.

He went on to say that after the security crisis has been addressed, it will be essential for communities to relearn living together in harmony, focusing on their commonalities rather than differences. The country has been dealing with terrorist attacks for eight years, which have resulted in the loss of lives, mass displacement, and weakened social cohesion in some localities.

“In Mossi blood, there is Fulani blood. In Fulani blood, there is Bissa blood. In Bissa blood, there is Bobo blood. And this is valid for all communities living in Burkina Faso,” added Dicko.

The Pulaaku Festival, resuming after a five-year hiatus, aims to unify the people of Burkina Faso in their pursuit of peace and social cohesion, said its promoter Boureima Barry. “It is in our interest to sit down, reflect, and ensure that reason returns to its place, above emotion,” Barry explained.

Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, the Minister in charge of Culture and government spokesperson, lauded the festival as an indicator of the people’s hope and their resolve to stand against the disruptive forces. He mentioned that such cultural events align with the goals of the Transitional Government and Combatant Forces, who are committed to defeating terrorist elements and reclaiming the nation’s territory.

The Pulaaku Festival will continue at CENASA until Sunday and features panels, exhibitions, and artistic performances.