Nahouri/Culture: The royal court of Ti©b©l©, located in the province of Nahouri, along with the residents of 67 villages and surrounding areas, celebrated the historic inscription of their royal court on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This significant event, which took place on May 31, 2025, marks the recognition of the court as a cultural treasure since its listing in July 2024.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the celebration saw participation from members of the royal family of Ti©b©l©, local populations, neighboring villages, and friends of Ti©b©l©, all expressing gratitude to the government and other key players who facilitated the court’s inclusion on the UNESCO list. The event featured a variety of activities such as performances by traditional and modern musical troupes, a football match, a Djongo and Nagla night, as well as a special space for parents’ jokes.
More than twenty traditional and modern dance troupes from Nahouri and Ghana energized the celebrations. Notable figures, including the representative of the chief of Ti©b©l©, Aboungou An©yan, the prefect of Ti©b©l©, Aim© Gu©, and the president of the organizing committee, Arnaud Ouambatoua, articulated their gratitude to those who played a role in achieving this UNESCO recognition. They emphasized how the inscription amplifies Burkina Faso’s cultural accomplishments on an international scale, urging community members to support the local committee in preserving the Kassena-Nankana culture embodied by the royal court.
Dr. Vincent S©dogo, Secretary General of the UNESCO Commission, expressed his contentment with the court’s listing, noting it as the fourth property from Burkina Faso to gain such recognition. The ceremony commenced with a moment of silence to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. The event’s atmosphere was further uplifted by the singing of a victory anthem in the Kassena language, symbolizing triumph over adversity.
The celebration was endorsed by several dignitaries, including the Ministers of Culture, Gilbert Ou©draogo, of Basic Education, Jacques Sosth¨ne Dingara, the President and CEO of Copia Fax, Pascal Tigahiri, and the Living Human Treasure, old Kayi©. Additionally, a significant delegation of customary chiefs from the Ghanaian villages neighboring Ti©b©l©, led by the chief of Manyoro, was present to witness the festivities.