Tenkodogo: Around sixty blacksmiths from Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin, and Togo participated on Thursday in the second edition of the Day of Traditions and Customs, organized in Tenkodogo under the gaze of His Majesty Naaba Guiguempole, Dima of Zoungrantenga, King of Tenkodogo.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the 2025 edition of the Customs and Traditions Day was attended by several personalities, including Minister Adama Luc Sorgho, sponsor Roger Nikiema, CEO of SAM HIMO, Colonel Abdou Karim Lamizana, Governor of the Centre-East, the constituted bodies, and His Majesty Naaba Guiguempole, Dima of Zoungrantenga, King of Tenkodogo. It was placed under the theme: “Contribution of blacksmiths to crisis reduction.”
The event featured numerous activities: exchanges between the king and schoolchildren, a football match between blacksmiths and Yarces (refereed by a Fulani), four panels, a solemn outing of the king, a dance of blacksmiths on the fire, a night of remembrance, the presentation of peace badges, and the construction of a traditional furnace.
Mandated by His Excellency Captain Ibrahim Traore, Minister Adama Luc Sorgho declared the importance of the event, emphasizing the role of culture in fostering peace in Burkina Faso. He highlighted the gathering of African blacksmiths as a valuable asset for the continent and called for the preservation of traditional values and know-how.
This year’s sponsor, Roger Nikiema, CEO of SAM HIMO, reiterated his commitment to supporting the blacksmiths and ensuring the success of their traditional practices, including the construction of a furnace.
San-Naaba (Bounda), commonly known as KPG, acknowledged the significance of the event and the role of blacksmiths as mediators in society. He urged blacksmiths to reflect on their contribution to resolving societal crises and highlighted the importance of cultural knowledge in overcoming challenges.
The Days of Customs and Traditions were further enriched by the participation of blacksmiths from the Soumahoro Kante Association of Mali and fire-dancing troupes from Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso.