OUAGADOUGOU: Preparations for the 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) are reportedly over 90% complete, as the city gears up for the biennial event. This comes amid reflections on National Press Freedom Day, where discussions highlighted current challenges facing journalism.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the state daily Sidwaya reported that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Crafts, Serge Poda, conducted a site visit to assess the readiness of the SIAO event. The minister noted the purpose of his visit was to identify and resolve any remaining organizational challenges. He expressed confidence that only minor adjustments were needed before welcoming exhibitors and professional buyers. The event is expected to attract between 350,000 and 40,000 attendees over the course of the craft-focused week.
Meanwhile, the private newspaper Le Pays emphasized the security challenges associated with hosting such a significant international event. The 17th SIAO will focus on the t
heme: “African crafts: youth entrepreneurship and empowerment.”
In a separate vein, the commemoration of National Press Freedom Day was covered in various publications. L’Observateur Paalga, one of the country’s oldest private dailies, ran a headline urging the preservation of freedoms, referencing the enduring relevance of Norbert Zongo, a symbol of press freedom in Burkina Faso. According to the daily, a panel at the Norbert Zongo National Press Center explored the theme, “Let’s not break the rampart: Alert on the killing of journalism,” emphasizing the critical role of the press as a bridge between the populace and authorities. Sidwaya reported remarks from speaker Pr Mahamadé Savadogo, who highlighted the press’s role in shaping public opinion and serving as a conduit between citizens and those in power.
