OUAGADOUGOU—Dr. Hamed Patrick Lega, Director General of the Burkinabè Copyright Office (BBDA), installed Christian Kientega as the new head of the BBDA Center-West regional agency in Koudougou on Monday, June 24, 2024.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Kientega, a cultural affairs advisor, is expected to ensure continuity of service and maintain close relations with creators and users of literary and artistic works. Dr. Lega urged Kientega to engage with users for good collaboration, which he believes will help maintain or exceed the agency’s current performance level.

Dr. Lega expressed gratitude to all regional actors who collaborate with the agency to promote literary and artistic property and encouraged everyone to continue supporting this dynamic to ensure that culture and copyright thrive in Burkina Faso. The new agency head acknowledged the challenges ahead, recognizing the region’s cultural and tourist vitality.

Kientega appealed to all users of artistic and literary works, including hoteliers, restaurateurs, festival and event organizers, audiovisual media, and commercial agencies, to collaborate in safeguarding art and culture through the payment of copyright royalties.

Kientega replaces Paul Nagalo, who received a scholarship at the African Intellectual Property Organization based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.