Dori: The Governor of the Sahel region, Mr. Abdoul Karim Zongo, officially launched the Sahel Regional Culture Week (SRC) competitions in Dori, with 94 artists from various disciplines competing to represent the region at the next National Culture Week (SNC) in Bobo-Dioulasso in 2026.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the regional director of culture for the Sahel, Mr. Bernard Saba, announced that this year’s competitions include 16 participants in traditional wrestling, 7 in archery, 5 in culinary arts, and 65 in performing arts. He urged competitors to embrace fair play and accept the jury’s decisions and called on cultural stakeholders to support the winners who will represent the Sahel region at the SNC. Mr. Saba also expressed gratitude to those supporting cultural development in the Sahel.
Governor Abdoul Karim Zongo emphasized the region’s intention to make a significant impact at the National Culture Week, stating that they would not attend as a supporting cast. He highlighted the importance of rigorous jury selection to ensure the representatives embody the region’s resilience and creativity. For him, culture serves as a vehicle for pride and resilience amidst security and socio-economic challenges.
On behalf of the event’s sponsors, Mr. Maga Issaka commended the commitment of regional authorities and cultural stakeholders, noting that the event reflects the Sahel’s determination to remain resilient despite challenges. He underscored that the event promotes values such as peace, tolerance, and coexistence, fundamental to social cohesion in the region.
The first vice-president of the special communal delegation of Dori, Mr. Boureima Dicko, welcomed the delegations participating in the event. He expressed that Dori is honored to host these competitions, which provide a platform for promoting cultural heritage and fostering intergenerational interaction. He thanked the organizers for choosing Dori as the venue.
The launch of the Sahel Regional Culture Week in Dori marks the beginning of competitions that showcase local talent, aiming to assert the region’s cultural identity and prepare actively for the National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso. The event is intended to symbolize resilience, pride, and cohesion for the people of the Sahel.