Yaba canton: The village of Kissan, in the canton of Yaba, hosted the 5th edition of its annual traditional ceremony on April 11, 2026. This gathering, marked by strong participation from the San and allied communities, highlighted ancestral values as a lever for social cohesion and national resilience.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the annual customary ceremony rekindled the flame of social cohesion, essential in Burkina Faso. Between cultural effervescence and spiritual depth, Kissan demonstrated that tradition remains a solid foundation against social erosion. The ceremony, rich in colors and emotions, has become a key cultural event in San country, drawing people from all villages of the San community in the province of Nayala.

Douti LAWAMAG‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬ SOMOZENA led the procession on a white horse, symbolizing the nobility of the event. His procession included visits to the tombs of deceased traditional chiefs. Surrounding him were other Douti from neighboring villages, and notable chiefs such as the canton chiefs of Yaba, Toma, and Kougny, as well as Mossi traditional chiefs, attended the event. The presence of the Mossi community, due to a longstanding joking relationship with the Samos, further emphasized unity.

Under a blazing sun, the invocation of ancestors and ritual blessings bridged history and the future. Douti LAWAMAG‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬ SOMOZENA was honored for his role in promoting San culture. Speaking on behalf of the canton chief of Yaba, a representative praised this determination and acknowledged the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, for reforms that have restored traditional chieftaincy to its rightful place.

Despite the heat, public turnout was strong. The representative of the Kissan chief blessed the event's success, followed by blessings from neighborhood and canton chiefs. These leaders commended the Douti of Kissan for promoting San customs and traditions, viewing him as a unifying figure.

LAWAMAG‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬ SOMOZENA's speech reiterated his commitment to making ancestral values the foundation of national resilience. He emphasized the importance of social cohesion and noted the village's efforts in supporting internally displaced persons, who have since returned to their villages due to peace efforts by defense and security forces.

The Douti of Kissan acknowledged authorities' commitment to traditional chieftaincies, particularly the adoption of a law on January 14, 2026, enhancing their role in conflict resolution. Initiatives to educate leaders on these new laws are ongoing in the cantons of Yaba and Kougny.

Colonel Christophe Ky, speaking for the princely family, praised the Douti's dedication to peace and tradition, encouraging the community to embrace this pride and work towards social cohesion. Traditional songs and dances delighted the crowd, concluding the ceremony with a promise to meet again for the next edition.