TIÉBÉLÉ, NAHOURI PROVINCE — The Royal Court of Tiébélé, a historic site in the province of Nahouri, has been officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, a designation announced on July 26, 2024, in New Delhi, India. This recognition has ignited a wave of jubilation among the local community, which celebrated the news with significant enthusiasm.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the joy of this achievement was palpable, especially within the walls of the royal palace, home to more than 400 people across 54 families. The representative of the chief of Tiébélé, Aboungou Aneyan, and Kalira Alice Nion, leader of the Pêbatchoga group—a women’s collective involved in the restoration of mural paintings—shared their elation. “It was on the national radio news that I learned the news. I really welcomed her with great satisfaction and immense joy,” Aneyan recounted.
The Royal Court of Tiébélé is renowned for its intricate wall drawings, defensive architectural features, and the use of local materials, contributions largely maintained by the Pêbatchoga group. These elements underscore the site’s unique cultural significance and the community’s ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage, which dates back approximately 500 years.
However, the community faces several challenges in maintaining the authenticity of the site, including high costs of construction materials, the impact of climatic conditions on the buildings, and the gradual loss of traditional skills in favor of modern techniques. These issues pose significant threats to the preservation of the Royal Court’s historic and cultural integrity.
The UNESCO designation has sparked hope among the Tiébélé community for future support. “We really expect significant support from UNESCO to be able to continue to maintain this jewel which is no longer only a heritage of Tiébélé nor of Burkina Faso, but of the whole world,” Aneyan expressed. Nion also voiced optimism that the recognition would encourage a revival of traditional architectural practices among the Kassena families.
Bayeidiena Abdou, a guide and member of the Royal Court, highlighted the potential benefits of the UNESCO status for local and national development. He noted a surge in interest in the site just days after the announcement, anticipating it could attract visitors globally and boost various local industries. “In just three days after the announcement of the registration we can already sense the growing interest in the site. Over time, we assume that people will come from all four corners of the world and this will benefit the development of several sectors of activity at the local and national level,” Abdou emphasized.
The community remains hopeful that this new global status will not only enhance tourism but also ensure the conservation of their treasured cultural heritage for future generations.