Ouagadougou: From January 16 to 17, 2026, Bobo-Dioulasso hosted the 48 Hours of Youth Engagement for Security, Peace, and Living Together, an initiative led by the Semfilms Association in partnership with the Canadian Embassy in Burkina Faso and Benin. The event took place at the Youth Cultural Dialogue Center (CCDJ) and on sports fields throughout the city. According to Burkina Information Agency, this civic, cultural, and sporting activity mobilized several hundred young people, students, and citizens around actions aimed at strengthening social cohesion and promoting a culture of peace in a national context marked by security and social challenges. The official launch took place on the evening of Friday, January 16, 2026, through a cultural vigil. Engaging artistic performances, blending music, slam poetry, and traditional expressions, highlighted the values of peace, tolerance, solidarity, and brotherhood. This evening provided a space for expression for the youth of Bobo-Dioulasso, who were invited to play an active role in strengthening community life. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, a free public conference was held on the theme: "Commitment of student youth in Bobo-Dioulasso to living together". Led by Dr. Boukary Tarnagda, a teacher-researcher at Nazi Boni University, the meeting urged young people to reject hatred, stigmatization, and violence in order to become responsible actors of peace. The speaker emphasized respect for cultures, mutual support, tolerance, and love of neighbor as pillars of a harmonious and stable society. The conference was attended by Canada's ambassador to Burkina Faso and Benin, Tina Guthrie. She praised the initiative and commitment of the young people, while inviting them to use their voice and actions to advance the common causes of social cohesion, peace, and security. "Young people must use their voice to advance our common causes, namely social cohesion, peace, and security," she said. As an extension of the activities, a women's football match between students from A lpha Solidarité high school was organised. Through this sporting event, the organizers wanted to demonstrate that sport is a powerful lever for bringing people together, for dialogue, and for promoting fair play, thus contributing to fraternity among young people. According to Semfilms program coordinator Jean Sylvanus Ouali, the goal is to sustainably engage young people on the path to peace, living together, and prosperity. He emphasized the importance given to women, believing that their engagement through civic and cultural activities is a determining factor for positive and sustainable actions within society. The 48-hour event concluded in a friendly atmosphere, punctuated by discussions, presentations, and artistic performances. A strong message emerged: the youth of Bobo-Dioulasso declared themselves ready to carry the torch of living together and peace in Burkina Faso through concrete actions.