SOLENZO — On Sunday morning, the Muslim faithful of Solenzo assembled at the great mosque's square to observe Eid El Kebir, praying for beneficial rainfall and the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their villages.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the gathering was marked by a collective plea for peace and reconciliation, emphasized during the sermon by the Grand Imam of Solenzo, El Hadj S-Zoumana Konaté. The event saw significant attendance from men, women, and children dressed in festive attire, converging on the square as early as 7:30 a.m. with prayer mats and rosaries in hand.

The ceremony, which started around 8:30 a.m. with the arrival of El Hadj Konaté and his son El Hadj Mohamed Konaté, included prayers led by El Hadj Mohamed and was followed by the traditional slaughter of a sheep. This act symbolizes the scriptural story of sacrifice and is a central ritual of Eid El Kebir. Participants who could afford to do so were then invited to proceed with the immolation of their own animals at their homes.

The Grand Imam, in his address, urged the community to pray for peace, highlighting the local desire for stability and the return of displaced community members to their original settlements.