Dori: On Wednesday, July 3, 2025, the Mballah Waldere association offered a smile to the residents of the Dori remand and correctional center, through cultural and artistic activities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the third of its kind, this activity is called a citizenship festival with the theme “72 hours of smiles for the benefit of the inmates of the Dori remand and correctional center.” The festival aims to bring hope and a sense of community to the inmates.
The president of the Mballah Waldere association, Arouna S©on©, stated that these artistic and cultural activities provide a framework for expression and solidarity for prisoners. He emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue, tolerance, and mutual acceptance among the inmates.
Demi Oumarou, the director of the Dori remand and correctional center, expressed gratitude towards the Mballah Waldere association for organizing the cultural day. He highlighted the ongoing efforts by his organization to humanize prisoners through various means such as maintaining social ties, respecting visitation rights, and providing professional training for social reintegration.
“This festival adds something to the earth in the process of humanizing the prison world and must be perpetuated, given the glimmer of hope it represents for prisoners,” Mr. Demi stated. He encouraged inmates to benefit from the day’s activities and use the practical advice provided to enhance their moral and psychological well-being for future social reintegration.
Auguste Kinda, the Secretary General of the Sahel region, praised the initiative. He viewed the activities as more than just entertainment, describing them as a tool for awareness, reintegration, and promoting social cohesion.
Visitors to the event toured the facilities, including the workshops and market gardening area of the Dori remand and correctional center. Local artists performed for the inmates, who also participated in a panel discussion.