President Traoré Emphasizes Cultural Significance in Burkina Faso’s Fight for Sovereignty

OUAGADOUGOU – President Ibrahim Traoré, in his address on Sunday, highlighted the critical role of culture in Burkina Faso’s battle for sovereignty. He pointed out the detrimental effects of colonization, which led to uprooting and loss of cultural values.

According to Burkina Information Agency, President Traoré identified the struggle against cultural erosion as a key component of his administration’s broader fight. He lamented the loss of Burkina Faso’s rich cultural heritage, which traditionally fostered values like peace, solidarity, and mutual aid. The President attributed part of the country’s challenges to this loss of cultural identity and values.

In response, Captain Traoré’s government has taken steps to revitalize national culture. This includes the formalization of national languages and the establishment of the National Council of Communities, an initiative recently approved by the Transitional Legislative Assembly. The President views these measures as crucial for returning to Burkina Faso’s roots and traditions, thereby resurrecting values of solidarity, peace, tolerance, and mutual aid that are essential for the nation’s progress.

This focus on culture and its integration into the government’s strategy comes after the ministerial reshuffle on December 17, 2023, where Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo was appointed as the Minister of State in charge of Communication and Culture.