Nayala: The High Commissioner of the Nayala province, Honore Frederic Pare, on Tuesday invited the customary and traditional chiefs of the canton of Toma to play their role as actors of social peace and cohesion, describing them as "ambassadors of social peace", during a day of awareness devoted to the law on the status of traditional chieftaincy in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, thirty-three village chiefs and seven district chiefs participated in this awareness session, which was marked by a detailed communication on the texts governing customary and traditional chieftaincy in Burkina Faso. In his opening speech, the High Commissioner praised the strategic role of customary authorities in consolidating social cohesion, preventing conflicts, and promoting local development. He invited them to effectively adopt the new legal provisions to sustainably strengthen peace in the province, emphasizing their role as "ambassadors of social peace" and urging them to translate their knowledge into concrete actions.

The main communication focused on Law No. 002-2026/ALT, which relates to the status of customary and traditional chieftaincy. His Majesty Lawa Mango S´m´zena Hilaire Ki, the Douti of Kisson, highlighted key innovations of the text, including the obligation of political neutrality, the rules of succession, legal protection of chiefs, and their official recognition within the country's institutional framework. He also emphasized the obligations associated with the role of traditional chiefs.

The discussions provided a platform for participants to raise concerns and share experiences, aiming for a better understanding and application of the texts. During the ceremony, His Majesty Emile Pare, the canton chief of Toma, presented traditional attributes, including the cap and the cane, to the regularly installed chiefs, reaffirming his central role in the recognition of local customary authorities.

In concluding the proceedings, the High Commissioner commended the mobilization and interest shown in the session. He urged the leaders to promote social peace and avoid any behavior that could undermine cohesion within their communities. The canton of Toma extends from the departments of Toma to that of Gossina.