The “Journées des communautés étrangères vivant dans le pays” (Foreign communities living in Burkina Faso Days) were recently held in Burkina Faso on 12 and 13 May 2025 at the National Museum in Ouagadougou. This event aimed to promote integration and cohesion between the various foreign communities and the people of Burkina Faso. This year, 21 African communities came together to share their cultures, traditions and culinary specialities in a festive and fraternal atmosphere.

Upon entering the museum, visitors were greeted by colourful décor, traditional music and the enticing aromas of traditional dishes. Each national stand showcased the cultural heritage of its country: from Angola to Burundi, Chad, Cameroon, the two Congos, Liberia, Senegal and Ghana. 

The Burundi stand catches the eye, with its huge tricolour flag and a particularly friendly atmosphere. Nicodème Niyonzima, president of the Burundian community in Burkina Faso, was seen to express his enthusiasm. Having lived in the country for over twenty years, he attests never to have experienced any problems integrating, emphasising the warm welcome extended to him by the Burkinabè people. In his view, mixed marriages are conducive to strengthening the ties between the two communities.

The Liberian stand was another major attraction. Paubu Gboyoh, a middle-aged man who has travelled all over Africa, lauded the Burkinabe hospitality but criticised African countries for deporting their fellow African nationals. He called for a united Africa, where the free movement of people would be the norm, even as it is currently in Burkina Faso. Victoria YAWSON, his fellow countrywoman, stood alongside him and shared her joy at having been able to discover and savour the culinary specialities of other communities, while exclaiming: “Long live African integration!”

Ghana was represented by Abdoul Rahama Mutia, a young woman whose mother is from Burkina Faso. Fluent in Mooré, she embodies the cultural fusion between the two countries. She reveals that she conducts her business activities between Burkina Faso and Ghana, demonstrating a practical example of regional integration. Mahamadou Bassole, a Burkinabé who works at the port of Tema in Ghana, shares the same vision. He believes that intercultural exchanges should continue throughout the year to reduce misunderstandings and promote better mutual understanding.

Aside from the festivities, the Integration Days convey a powerful message of African unity through cultural diversity. They also serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by African migrants within the continent itself. Several participants, including NIYONKURU and GBOYOH, denounced the discriminatory policies of certain African States towards other Africans, deeming them contrary to the pan-African ideal. They called for more humane and inclusive policies based on African solidarity.

In short, these days provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the richness of African culture, but also to reflect on fundamental values such as integration, tolerance and mutual respect in a continental context marked by tensions over identity and migration. Burkina Faso is emerging as a model of hospitality and peaceful coexistence.