The Centre Culturel Islamique du Burkina Faso (CCIB) recently hosted an event at the Conseil Burkinabè des Chargeurs (CBC) to promote traditional cultural celebrations and foster unity and peace in Burkina Faso. The event, which took place on September 24, 2026, brought together representatives from associations and organizations to discuss ways to strengthen social cohesion and promote peaceful coexistence among Burkinabè people. This initiative aims to revive traditional cultural practices that have been lost over time.
The event focused on traditional Islamic songs, such as the DODO, TARKAYE, MANSES, GASSID, and SALOU, which were once popular in villages and cities, creating spaces for communion among people of different faiths. However, these practices have been disappearing, leading to divisions among communities. The CCIB's Coordinator, Imam Khalidou ILBOUDO, emphasized the need to revive these practices to promote unity and social cohesion. He noted that these traditional songs have positive effects on populations and can help counter extremist discourses.
The two-day event featured discussions on three main axes: the social gain of traditional cultural practices, theological concerns, and the challenge of promoting these practices among young people. The discussions aimed to evaluate the role of traditional cultural practices in promoting social cohesion, peace, and national unity. The event also explored ways to analyze the doctrinal contours of Islamic music and chant, with the participation of scholars.
The Director Executive of L'URCB/SD, BAMABARA Moussa, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and enrichment between different communities. He noted that Islam has been present in Burkina Faso for over 1,000 years and has been enriched by African cultural practices, such as the use of cola in social ceremonies. This cultural exchange has contributed to the country's rich cultural heritage.
The event featured demonstrations of traditional songs, including Mansés, which showcased the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The representative of the Minister of Culture, Communication, and Tourism, Conseiller technique, DIONI Abdoulaye, praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of promoting cultural values and traditions. He noted that Islam is a cultural fact that influences Burkinabè culture and receives from it.
The Ministry of Culture, Communication, and Tourism has been working to identify and valorize Burkinabè cultural heritage, including intangible cultural practices. The ministry has designated "trésors humains vivants" (living human treasures), who are depositaries of cultural values, to perpetuate and transmit these values to the younger generation.
The event concluded with a commitment to promote traditional cultural practices and foster unity and peace in Burkina Faso. The participants agreed to work together to preserve and promote Burkinabè cultural heritage, and to develop concrete proposals to address the challenges facing the country. The event's outcome will be presented to the organizers on September 25, 2026.
Key points
- The CCIB and its partners organized an event to promote traditional cultural celebrations and rebuild a unified Burkina Faso.
- The event focused on traditional Islamic songs and cultural practices that have been lost over time.
- The initiative aims to foster unity, peace, and social cohesion among Burkinabè people by promoting cultural exchange and enrichment.
