Burkina Faso: Promoting endogenous values to foster peace and harmonious coexistence

Since November 18, the city of Manga in Burkina Faso’s Nazinon region has been hosting a significant session promoting endogenous values of peaceful coexistence. It is organized by the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and Solidarity through its Technical Secretariat for Peace Promotion and Social Cohesion and will end up on November 21^st. This initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion and peace amid national security and social challenges.

Over fifty education stakeholders from Nazinon’s three provinces participated in four days of rich exchanges focusing on Burkinabe cultural values and practices from various ethnic groups.

 The primary objective was to better transmit traditional values to younger generations, essential for building a harmonious and united society.

Honorine Sawadogo, Technical Secretary for Peace Promotion, emphasized that her structure’s mission involves collaborating with relevant ministries to enhance social cohesion.

 She highlighted education as a crucial vehicle for transmitting peace and coexistence values, explaining why the session specifically targeted basic and secondary education professionals.

During the session, participants contributed to revising educational booklets promoting endogenous values among students, ensuring these materials align with local cultural realities.

 Following this phase, the Technical Secretariat plans to expand dialogues to include cultural custodians and peace-promoting community organizations in school environments.

Bérenger Yazouma Bihoun, President of Manga’s Special Municipal Delegation, stressed the imperative need to promote peace and harmonious coexistence among all Burkinabe citizens.

He expressed hope that educators would widely disseminate these cultural values in educational institutions.

Julien Ouédraogo, High Commissioner of Zoundwéogo Province representing the Nazinon Governor, reminded attendees that peace remains a precious commodity that should guide all actions in Burkina Faso.

He encouraged participants to emphasize peace education rooted in endogenous values of peaceful coexistence. This session represents a meaningful step toward rebuilding genuine and lasting national unity through reclaiming traditional values in service of peace.

Cédric KABORE